Song Jingran’s study was located in the northwest corner of the Song family’s outer courtyard. Opening the window lattice revealed two Taihu rocks in the corner with several clumps of green bamboo, among which grew a pomegranate tree.
It was now the fifth month—the green bamboo was verdant, and the pomegranate flowers blazed brilliantly like fire in full bloom. Truly a splendid spring landscape.
Yet Cheng Chi’s heart felt like an overturned dish of mixed flavors.
He didn’t want to become embroiled in succession disputes.
Aside from the Fourth Prince, whoever became emperor made no difference to him.
But once he became the Imperial Grandson’s tutor, his fate would inevitably be tied to the Imperial Grandson’s. Moreover, there was Zhou Shaojin’s “prophecy” that the Imperial Grandson would die young.
He couldn’t help but fall silent for a moment before saying: “Can this matter not be changed?”
Song Jingran didn’t understand: “Zichuan, what exactly are you concerned about? If it’s your elder brother, you needn’t worry. Many brothers serve in different court factions. I believe Grand Secretary Cheng isn’t that narrow-minded either. If you’re concerned about my eldest son, that’s even less necessary—though he’s only a few years younger than you, his methods and means are far inferior to yours. Without ten years, he couldn’t possibly take charge independently. At most I have fifteen years left, and by then my eldest son will still need your support…” There was another sentence he didn’t say.
Cheng Jing was about the same age as him, while Cheng Xu had been sent to an external post. Even with Cheng Jing running around for him in the capital, it would be impossible to return to the capital without fifteen or sixteen years. By the time Cheng Xu returned to the capital, Cheng Jing would be ready to retire. Having been away for so long, Cheng Xu couldn’t possibly adapt to the capital’s officialdom immediately. To establish himself in official circles, he probably couldn’t match Song Mu’s speed. Given Cheng Chi’s age, he could serve as a capital official for at least another twenty years—if his health held up, even thirty years wasn’t impossible.
To whom would Cheng Jing pass his network of connections?
To Cheng Xu?
Could Cheng Xu handle it?
To Cheng Chi?
By that time Yun Ge’er would have grown up too, right in his prime years.
Unless Yun Ge’er was completely incompetent, who would leave their network to a nephew instead of their son?
At that time, Cheng Xu would probably have no place in this dynasty’s officialdom…
He understood this clearly, and Cheng Jing understood it even more clearly!
Cheng Chi helping him preserve his network of connections in official circles—wasn’t this also expanding Cheng Chi’s own influence?
And now that Cheng Chi had gained a reputation for integrity through impeaching Qu Yuan, adding a reputation as a capable official, when Cheng Jing retired, even if he didn’t want to hand over his network to Cheng Chi, he probably wouldn’t be able to help himself!
Moreover, Cheng Chi had once defended the city for him. If Song Mu didn’t rise to high positions, that was one thing. But if one day he reached high positions, he would still have to be respectful before Cheng Chi, and when Yun Ge’er entered office, he would have to support him.
For Cheng Chi, this had only countless benefits and not a single drawback.
But some words could only be hinted at.
Song Jingran gazed intently at Cheng Chi.
He believed Cheng Chi could understand his meaning.
Cheng Chi found this somewhat both laughable and frustrating.
Without life itself, what use was talk of becoming Prime Minister or entering the cabinet?
But things had reached this point. If he didn’t teach the Imperial Grandson mathematics, with Cheng Shao’s relationship with the Emperor, could he really draw a clear line with the Imperial Grandson?
Man’s plans truly couldn’t match Heaven’s calculations.
He could only say: “I thank Master Song for the recommendation. Has the Eastern Palace settled on when classes begin and how long they’ll last?”
This was agreement.
But why did his tone sound so flat?
Song Jingran couldn’t help saying: “Before the Imperial Grandson, you should at least lower your airs somewhat. This is a good opportunity others beg for but can’t obtain. Don’t take it lightly—losing the position is a small matter, but leaving the Imperial Grandson with an impression of being arrogant and unruly would be troublesome. No matter what, he is the future heir apparent!”
Only if he can actually ascend the throne.
Cheng Chi muttered this in his heart while casually acknowledging Song Jingran.
Song Jingran sighed.
Everything about Cheng Zichuan was good, except his official title came too easily—he didn’t know how to cherish it. Back then, to get a chance to appear before the Imperial Grandson, he had maneuvered for who knew how long. Yet before he could even teach the Imperial Grandson one lesson, it had fallen to Cheng Chi instead. From this perspective, Cheng Chi’s luck was indeed very good.
He instructed Cheng Chi: “A couple days ago I already arranged the curriculum with the Eastern Palace. Every month on days ending in five, go in the afternoon to teach the Imperial Grandson mathematics for two hours. Today is too late—start from the fifth of next month! The Emperor has personally instructed the Eastern Palace about this matter.”
Cheng Chi nodded and asked about the Imperial Grandson’s situation.
A young servant came in to report: “Grand Secretary Yuan and Grand Secretary Cheng have arrived.”
Song Jingran couldn’t help but look at Cheng Chi.
Cheng Chi said: “I notified Elder Brother!”
He just hadn’t expected Yuan Weichang would come too.
The two could no longer discuss matters, so they went to the memorial hall together.
After offering incense to Old Master Song, Song Jingran invited Yuan Weichang, Cheng Jing and others to sit briefly in the study.
Cheng Chi fell back a few steps and instructed Huai Shan: “We’ll be dealing with the Imperial Grandson now. Find out everything about the situation there.”
Huai Shan made an affirmative sound and quickly disappeared from sight.
Zhou Shaojin followed Madam Song in crying through several sessions. By the time she returned, her eyes were somewhat swollen.
Cheng Chi had someone boil eggs to compress her eyes, teasing her: “You’re really too inexperienced. Birth, old age, illness and death are part of human nature. Moreover, Old Master Song fulfilled all his life’s wishes and departed with peace of mind—what’s there to cry about?”
“I know that too.” Zhou Shaojin’s face flushed crimson. “But when I saw Madam Song crying, I couldn’t help crying along with her.”
Cheng Chi said: “Then don’t go over there for now, to avoid crying every time you visit until your eyes can barely open. Second Uncle is about to marry—that’s more pressing.”
Zhou Shaojin nodded. Having cried until her throat was parched, after drinking two cups of tea, she asked about what Song Jingran had said: “Will you really teach the Imperial Grandson mathematics? I heard the Imperial Grandson is extremely intelligent—astronomy, geography, all the philosophical schools—there’s nothing he doesn’t know. Before his death, he even presided over the Bureau of Astronomy’s revision of the perpetual calendar. Everyone says the Imperial Grandson’s intelligence borders on the supernatural, which is why… why he died young.”
“Oh?!” This was the first time Cheng Chi had heard such a statement. He raised an eyebrow: “Are you certain it’s not just flattery from those people?”
“It probably isn’t!” Zhou Shaojin pondered. “Brother-in-law also mentioned the Imperial Grandson was extremely intelligent…”
In other words, the Imperial Grandson couldn’t be treated as an ordinary child!
Cheng Chi decided to prepare an examination paper to test the Imperial Grandson’s abilities.
Zhou Shaojin had other concerns: “What if he really does die young?”
Cheng Chi laughed heartily: “If he truly has supernatural intelligence, it won’t be in vain to have taught him once. Perhaps I can even discuss the Fourth Prince with the Imperial Grandson.”
Let them fight like dogs.
This would free his hands to send Jin Sha Gang’s Xu Mu to Qiongzhou to acquire a residence there for him.
There was also Xiao Zhenhai. With nothing to do these days, he could have him return to Changbai Mountain. If the Cheng family couldn’t escape that calamity, hiding in Changbai Mountain for some time would be good too.
Thinking of this, he felt somewhat glad for Shaojin’s preference for quiet. Wherever she lived, as long as the home was arranged soft and comfortable, she could adapt.
Cheng Chi suddenly became very busy.
News also spread that he would lecture to the Imperial Grandson.
Yuan Shi couldn’t help feeling somewhat sour: “Who knows how many Hanlin compilers there are in court. Yet unexpectedly, your Fourth Uncle managed to establish himself in court with merchant’s skills.”
Cheng Xu pretended not to hear.
But Min Jia couldn’t stand it. She smiled at Yuan Shi: “I heard it was originally supposed to be Grand Secretary Song, but Old Master Song passed away. Mother, do you think our Fourth Uncle will become a famous calculating Prime Minister like Grand Secretary Song?”
Yuan Shi’s expression changed drastically: “This realm has never had brothers both serving as Grand Secretaries!”
Min Jia said nothing, but disagreed in her heart.
Serving as Grand Secretaries together was certainly impossible. But what about one after another?
When did things in this world ever remain unchanged?
Having already stung Yuan Shi somewhat, Min Jia’s purpose was achieved. She stopped mentioning this matter and spoke instead about the Min family sending off Cheng Xu: “…It’s set for the fourth of the fifth month, right when Second Uncle Ancestor’s matters will have concluded. Sixth Madam wants to invite Mother to honor us by joining to watch opera.”
Above Min Jia were still her grandmother and great-grandmother. Her birth mother was serving elders in Fujian and wasn’t in the capital. In the capital, the Min family household was managed by Min Jia’s sixth aunt.
Yuan Shi absent-mindedly acknowledged and went with Min Jia and Cheng Xu to Shuangyu Alley.
Chang Shi’s dowry was already spread out in the center of the courtyard. Though only sixty-four carrying loads, many items were gifts from the inner palace, even from the Empress Dowager, Empress, and Emperor—quite respectable.
The Cheng family’s wedding coordinator was still the third daughter-in-law of Academician Wu’s family.
After seeing off those sent by the Chang family to make the bed, the next day everyone had lunch, then led by Cheng Chi with drums and music, they brought Chang Shi through the gates. The second day she paid respects to family, the third day she returned to her natal home. Shuangyu Alley returned to its usual peace. Cheng Xu and others began visiting various households, arranging carriages and horses to prepare to leave the capital.
Cheng Chi went to the Eastern Palace and began teaching mathematics to the Imperial Grandson.
Zhou Shaojin’s eyelids twitched severely. She both feared the Imperial Grandson would look down on Cheng Chi’s teaching and feared Cheng Chi, moved by talent, would recklessly help the Crown Prince in the succession struggle.
Ji Ying, who had brought fresh water chestnuts and lotus seeds to see Yun Ge’er, rolled her eyes: “If Cheng Zichuan can’t even handle this matter well, what use is he? Just stay peacefully at home and stop overthinking everything.”
“I know.” Zhou Shaojin said awkwardly. “But somehow, my heart just can’t settle.”
Trusting him was one thing, not worrying was another.
Seeing Zhou Shaojin wouldn’t listen, Ji Ying ignored her and went directly to play with Yun Ge’er.
Yun Ge’er still remembered Ji Ying taking him up a tree to see a bird’s nest. Seeing her, he clapped his little hands calling “Auntie,” wanting her to hold him.
Ji Ying was absolutely delighted. Holding Yun Ge’er, she said: “The weather is so hot—let’s go swimming.”
This frightened all the attending servants until their faces turned white. They rushed to tell Zhou Shaojin.
But Zhou Shaojin felt it was fine.
Ji Ying always acted prudently. Cheng Chi had no time to play with Yun Ge’er, and her own temperament was gentle. If Yun Ge’er could learn some boys’ skills from Ji Ying, that would be good.
She hurried to the lakeside and deployed several servants who could swim to stand ready in boats, just in case.
Old Madam Guo laughed when she heard and said to Nanny Lü: “I used to always worry that Yun Ge’er’s mother was timid and cowardly. I never expected that though her temperament is gentle, her judgment is high. Knowing her own limitations, she lets others help teach Yun Ge’er. This is a hundred, a thousand times better than Yuan Shi clutching everything in her hands, not letting others touch even once.”