Zhu Yu – Chapter 52

The room was pitch black with the lights out. Fan Changyu lay in bed almost pressed against the wall, casting a sidelong glance at the person lying beside her. Hmph, Xie Zheng was practically sleeping on the edge of the bed.

She closed her eyes, not bothering to care if he was comfortable or not. She had already repeatedly declared that she harbored no inappropriate thoughts toward him and had left him plenty of space. Yet after getting into bed, he remained silent and still chose to sleep on the very edge.

His obvious avoidance made it seem like he was terrified she would covet his beauty. Fan Changyu turned to face the wall, thinking to herself that even if he looked like an immortal, she wouldn’t care for someone with such a disagreeable temperament!

The “immortal” Xie Zheng was pretending to sleep when the person lying inside suddenly turned, instantly taking all of the blanket corners he had barely managed to cover himself with.

The night’s chill penetrated through his thin clothes straight to his skin. Xie Zheng opened his eyes and looked inward. Fan Changyu’s form made a small silhouette under the thick blanket, with most of the covering spread across the middle of the bed.

To reach the blanket, he would need to move slightly inward, but that would surely disturb Fan Changyu. Her breathing was shallow, indicating she wasn’t yet asleep.

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and closed his eyes again. One year when he led troops beyond the frontier, he had survived being buried under an avalanche for three days – this bit of cold wasn’t worth his concern.

Though they were separated by at least three feet, perhaps because they were lying on a bed, he couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable. Even blood-related siblings shouldn’t share a room after coming of age, let alone an unrelated man and woman.

In this world, only husband and wife could share a bed like this. And now, the woman sleeping beside his bed was exactly that – his wife.

Xie Zheng, unable to sleep due to these chaotic thoughts, heard Fan Changyu’s breathing become deep and steady. An inexplicable irritation arose in him, and he simply sat up, leaning against the headboard to contemplate the current situation.

After sleeping for a while, Fan Changyu shifted to lie on her back. Xie Zheng heard the movement and cast a cool glance her way.

She truly had a deceptive face – when asleep, she looked completely harmless and gentle. Yet when she was up to mischief, she maintained that same innocent expression.

Sui Yuanqing… must have been fooled by this very appearance, right?

Thinking of that person, Xie Zheng’s gaze grew colder. He couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but it was as if someone else coveted a wildflower he had spotted first.

His chest felt as if it had been singed by a candle – not painful, but burning. He stared unblinkingly at the sleeping Fan Changyu, his expression hidden in the night, becoming increasingly unfathomable.

Fan Changyu seemed to sense his gaze in her sleep and muttered discontentedly, “Don’t care for…”

Xie Zheng couldn’t hear clearly and frowned, asking, “What?”

Fan Changyu mumbled something indistinct, and Xie Zheng had to lean closer to hear. His cold presence made Fan Changyu shrink away in her sleep, and as she turned, her lips brushed past his ear, causing him to freeze.

Someone was too close, and their unfamiliar presence surrounded her. After everything she’d been through, Fan Changyu remained somewhat alert. Her eyelashes trembled as she was about to wake, but Xie Zheng’s cool fingers pressed a point on her neck, causing her to fall back into deep sleep before her eyes could open.

Xie Zheng rose, not bothering to light a candle. Using only the faint light of snow reflecting through the window, he went to the table and drank two cups of cold tea.

After finishing his tea, he didn’t return to bed. Instead, he sat at the table, frowning, his dark eyes fixed on the raised form under the blanket, seemingly lost in thought.

An eagle’s cry seemed to echo faintly in the night sky.

He lifted his gaze and left the room almost soundlessly, climbing over the Wang family’s courtyard wall. Only after reaching a more distant alley did he place his fingers to his lips and produce a sharp whistle.

When an Eastern Goshawk couldn’t find its intended recipient, it would circle in the sky crying out until it heard the whistle signal, then dive down toward the sound.

Shortly after, a pure white Eastern Goshawk swooped down from the night sky. Xie Zheng extended his right arm, and the bird’s talons, sharp as iron hooks, gripped his arm firmly before folding its wings.

Xie Zheng retrieved the message from the hawk’s leg and read it in the moonlight. The paper crumbled to fragments between his fingers.

That same night, the lights still burned at the Ji Prefecture government office.

Zheng Wenchang emerged from the prison and presented the confession documents to He Jingyuan, saying with a lowered head, “As you suspected, Your Excellency, it was Prince Changxin’s men who ambushed our people and impersonated the grain collection officers in Qingping County. The deaths of several dozen people in Ma Family Village were also the rebels’ doing. I suspect the grain collection incidents and deaths in Tai Prefecture are also connected to the Chong Prefecture rebels.”

He Jingyuan stood with his hands behind his back, watching the row of warm yellow lanterns under the eaves and the flying snow, answering indirectly, “Wenchang, tell me, those two hundred thousand shi of grain that passed through the Zhao merchant’s hands – where do you think they were sent?”

Zheng Wenchang didn’t understand why his superior and mentor suddenly brought up the grain matter, but answered honestly, “At first, I thought it was merely merchant profiteering, but we haven’t seen those merchants selling the grain at high prices in either Tai or Ji Prefectures. Given the current situation, it does seem like the rebels are interfering. I believe if we raid the Zhao merchant’s properties, we’ll surely uncover several rebel strongholds.”

He Jingyuan shook his head, “You’re underestimating the enemy. Wait and see how many of the Zhao family’s properties you can still find in Ji Prefecture tomorrow.”

Zheng Wenchang lowered his head in shame, “If I had noticed earlier and raided the Zhao merchant’s home, the Qingping County incident might never have happened.”

He Jingyuan said, “It’s not your fault. The rebels were able to exploit this opportunity because of my mistake. If I hadn’t fallen for their trap, focusing solely on forcing out the grain buyers and allowing Wei Xuan to forcefully collect grain, the rebels couldn’t have caused such waves in Ji Prefecture, no matter how many spies they planted.”

Zheng Wenchang didn’t understand his meaning and asked in confusion, “How can you take all the blame, Your Excellency? From what I can see, the grain purchase was a trap set by the rebels from the start. Wei Xuan’s ambition and his abuse of power as the Northwestern Military Commander to seize your official seal wasn’t something you could control.”

He Jingyuan heaved a long sigh but said nothing more.

His student was good in every way, except for being too rigid and straightforward, believing everything at face value.

There were many things he couldn’t explain clearly.

If the Zhao merchant hadn’t deliberately left traces suggesting that the Marquis of Wu’an had purchased the two hundred thousand shi of grain, he wouldn’t have mistakenly assumed the Marquis was merely trying to obstruct Commander Wei.

In the struggles of those in power, it was always the common people who suffered.

He had allowed Wei Xuan to collect grain forcefully, wanting to show the Marquis of Wu’an what consequences the common people faced due to his vendetta, and also to determine if the Marquis was truly someone who would use any means to achieve his goals.

It was precisely this delegation of authority that had given the rebels their opportunity.

When the people were pushed to their limits, the Marquis of Wu’an had no choice but to “reveal himself,” having his old subordinates from Yan Prefecture send orders to transfer Wei Xuan away and stop the grain collection.

Though he remained behind the scenes, regardless of his motives, he ultimately became a pawn in the rebels’ plan.

Earlier today, upon seeing the blue-masked person who had turned the tide in Qing Prefecture, He Jingyuan suddenly thought of a question.

If he had been wrong from the start if the Marquis of Wu’an had never intended to use the people of Tai and Ji Prefectures as pawns to bring down Wei Xuan, then why did he purchase those two hundred thousand shi of grain?

His long-closed eyes suddenly opened wide, and he exclaimed, “Jin Prefecture!”

Zheng Wenchang asked in confusion, “Your Excellency, what about Jin Prefecture?”

He Jingyuan quickly walked back to his desk, unrolled a map of the Northwest, and pointed at Jin Prefecture, his expression unusually grave: “Prince Changxin’s rebellion in Chong Prefecture, internal chaos in the Northwest, and the Marquis of Wu’an’s death in battle – what does this mean for the Bei Yue people beyond the border?”

Zheng Wenchang realized the implications and felt his scalp tingle. He said, “This would be the perfect opportunity to attack Great Yin.”

He Jingyuan paced back and forth before his desk: “Jin Prefecture is Great Yin’s gateway, followed by Hui and Yan Prefectures, forming a triangular defense of our nation’s threshold. But their supplies all depend on court allocations. With Chong Prefecture in rebellion, blocking the supply routes, and Hui Prefecture lacking grain, where would Jin Prefecture get its food? I’ve been so foolish! Those two hundred thousand shi of grain weren’t bought to scheme against Wei Xuan – this was preparation for Jin Prefecture!”

Hearing He Jingyuan’s explanation, Zheng Wenchang was also shocked. Combining this with earlier conversations, he finally understood the key point: “You mean those two hundred thousand shi of grain were bought by the Marquis? Even when he was defeated on the battlefield in Chong Prefecture, he had already anticipated Jin Prefecture’s future crisis?”

He Jingyuan nodded slowly.

Zheng Wenchang said, “The Marquis’s foresight is beyond our measure. Now that the rebels’ plot has been exposed, with Hui Prefecture secure and Jin Prefecture supplied with grain, shouldn’t this be cause for celebration? Why do you still look so worried, Your Excellency?”

He Jingyuan sighed, “How do we solve this if external threats and internal strife come together?”

These words left Zheng Wenchang equally troubled.

There were some things He Jingyuan left unsaid.

Wei Yan’s faction would surely not allow the Marquis of Wu’an to remain. If they could sabotage him once on the Chong Prefecture battlefield, this time, with Bei Yue people and Chong Prefecture rebels attacking from both sides, and the court deliberately withholding military supplies, he truly feared a repeat of the Jin Prefecture tragedy from seventeen years ago.

After standing silently for a long while, He Jingyuan finally said to Zheng Wenchang, “Continue to seal off Qingping County and work to root out all rebel spies. The canal’s water level is low in winter, making it a good time to clear the silt. Wenchang, once the Qingping County matter is resolved, lead people to dredge the waterway from Ji Prefecture to Chong Prefecture.”

If the water route was open, all manner of supplies could be transported.

Zheng Wenchang’s heart skipped a beat as he accepted the order and withdrew.

Only after He Jingyuan was left alone in the study did the door to the side room open, and an elderly man with white hair and wrinkled skin emerged, saying, “Tell me, if that Wei fellow learns of your double-dealing, how many days do you think you have left to live?”

As He Jingyuan spoke, he said, “In one’s position, one plans governance; in one’s duty, one fulfills responsibility. I, He, have no shame before the people of the world. That is enough.”

The old man shook his head and laughed, saying, “When this old man comes to find you for drinks and chess next time, I hope you’re still alive.”

He Jingyuan replied, “I await the Grand Tutor’s visit anytime. May I ask where the Grand Tutor plans to go next?”

The old man, with tattered clothes and white hair messily tied up with a wooden hairpin, a wine gourd hanging at his waist, stretched lazily and said, “That brat Prince of Changxin keeps sending people to disturb my peace at my thatched cottage every few days. It’s quite annoying. This old man will wander around for a while.”

He Jingyuan lowered his eyelids and said, “I thought the Grand Tutor came out of seclusion because he heard the Marquis died on the battlefield.”

The old man snorted, “This old man doesn’t have much skill, but I’ve only taught one disciple in this life. The person who could take his life hasn’t been born yet. Otherwise, he would have gained another junior brother.”

Hearing the old man’s words, He Jingyuan just smiled without speaking.

Grand Tutor Tao had retired from office and lived in seclusion for many years. After the Prince of Changxin rebelled, he sent people many times to seek him out, saying he wanted to invite him as an advisor, but in reality, he wanted him to teach his two sons.

The old man’s last sentence implied that if he were to take another disciple, it would only be someone with better talent than Marquis Wu’an.

It seemed that the Prince of Changxin’s two sons hadn’t caught his eye.

He Jingyuan asked knowingly, “After the battle of Chongzhou, the Crown Prince of Changxin was known as the Little Marquis Wu’an. Didn’t the Grand Tutor approve of him?”

Grand Tutor Tao’s face turned unpleasant as he said, “That stinking brat, at the age of ten, the book of chess strategies I taught him ended up in the hands of Prince of Changxin’s youngest son. What do you think Prince of Changxin is planning?”

He Jingyuan’s expression darkened. Little Marquis Wu’an? It seemed the Prince of Changxin was raising his youngest son in the image of Marquis Wu’an.

In Qingping County.

When the rooster crowed for the first time, Fan Changyu woke up.

The sky was just beginning to lighten. She drowsily rolled over to the other side and was startled by how cold the bed was, which woke her up completely.

Fan Changyu sat up with her hair in a mess from sleep, remembering that she had gone to bed with Yan Zheng last night. She looked towards the table and, as expected, saw Yan Zheng sleeping with his head propped up at the table.

Judging by the temperature on this side of the bed, he probably hadn’t slept in the bed all night.

Fan Changyu couldn’t quite describe the feeling in her heart. Was it annoyance at his good intentions being misplaced?

Then she wondered why she was angry. She should be happy that he was so proper and think of him as a gentleman.

While she was still conflicted, the man who had been dozing with one hand supporting his forehead woke up at the sound of the rooster. His eyes met Fan Changyu’s, and he paused for a moment before saying softly, “You’re awake?”

Fan Changyu nodded and scratched her hair, saying, “If I had known, I would have just gone back to town last night. I’ve caused you to miss another night’s sleep.”

Xie Zheng said, “I got up once during the night, and seeing it was almost dawn, I didn’t go back to sleep.”

Fan Changyu murmured a response, not wanting to argue with him about this.

It was just a matter of catching up on sleep. He could do as he pleased. After all, she wasn’t the one who had been cold and sleepless all night.

After having breakfast at Constable Wang’s house, Fan Changyu took Yu Bao’er and returned to town with Xie Zheng.

Chang Ning, who had slept with Madam Zhao last night, almost cried when she saw Fan Changyu return. But upon seeing Yu Bao’er, she held back her tears, afraid of embarrassing herself.

With the two children together, they were almost tearing the place apart. The only consolation for Fan Changyu was that Yu Bao’er no longer mentioned finding his mother, and Chang Ning seemed to have forgotten about Mao Sun.

Qingping County was still under martial law to catch the remaining bandits, but Constable Wang sent someone to her house, surprisingly bringing fifty taels of silver as a secret reward from the County Magistrate.

That day at the County Magistrate’s residence, she had said she was Constable Wang’s person. It seemed the County Magistrate, after taking credit, wanted to win people’s hearts and gave this favor.

Fan Changyu understood the principle of making money quietly. Fame was useless to her and would only invite trouble. Real silver was more practical.

After seeing off the official, Fan Changyu went to her room with a smile to hide the silver. She encountered Xie Zheng and generously said, “Want to split it half and half?”

It was one thing that this guy wanted to distance himself from her, but the idea of saving Qingping County was his, and he had saved her on the city wall. The accounts still needed to be settled.

Xie Zheng felt that in the past two days since they returned, Fan Changyu’s treatment of him seemed to have smoothed out a lot.

When she saw him, she would still greet him with a smile as before, but it was different from before.

He suppressed the inexplicable discontent in his heart and asked, “Does the government know my identity?”

Fan Changyu shook her head, “I didn’t tell anyone who you are. The County Magistrate wants to take credit, he didn’t even mention Constable Wang’s name, so he probably won’t mention you voluntarily.”

She didn’t want to expose herself, fearing being resented by that group of people. When Yan Zheng appeared on the city wall, he even wore a mask. Fan Changyu guessed he didn’t want to expose his identity either.

After all, offending those officials would only bring endless trouble.

Xie Zheng then said, “This reward silver is all yours. Why do you want to share it with me?”

Fan Changyu said, “Wasn’t it your idea?”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, “The reward silver the County Magistrate gave you is not for guarding the city gate, but for saving him from trouble and capturing the bandits. It has little to do with me.”

Unable to argue with him, Fan Changyu took the silver back to her room. A moment later, she came out with a pile of things, “You said earlier that you were leaving, but coincidentally ran into the city lockdown, so you stayed for a few more days. I’ve been preparing some things for you bit by bit. Take these two sets of clothes to change on the road. These shoes are double-stitched and durable. Oh, I also exchanged fifty taels of silver notes for you, it’s more convenient to carry…”

She rambled on, like an old mother sending her child on a long journey, “I’ve also written the divorce papers, just need your fingerprint.”

A divorce letter only needed one party to write, but since this was a mutual divorce, different from repudiation, it required both parties to sign and press their fingerprints.

The frustration that had been stuck in Xie Zheng’s chest these days became even more uncomfortable when he heard her say these things.

He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed and looked at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said sarcastically, “Thank you for thinking of everything for me so thoroughly.”

Fan Changyu didn’t argue with him, only saying, “Being away from home is different from being at home. It’s better to prepare as much as possible. If you encounter any difficulties out there, there won’t be anyone to help you…”

The emotions surging in his chest made it difficult for Xie Zheng to maintain that sarcastic smile. He turned his eyes to look at the snow on the courtyard wall and suddenly asked, “What about you? What are your plans for the future?”

Fan Changyu laughed, “Didn’t you ask before? As long as Qingping County remains peaceful, I plan to start the pig farm…”

Xie Zheng half-raised his phoenix eyes, “I mean, do you plan to marry or continue to take in a husband?”

This question stumped Fan Changyu. She put the pile of things on the table, walked to the steps at the doorway, and sat down. Looking at the leafless pear tree in the courtyard, she thought for a while and said, “I’ll get married, but whether to take in a husband or marry out, I’ll decide when the time comes.”

Xie Zheng was fiddling with a small pebble, carelessly throwing it at the pear tree, startling away a few birds perched on it. “What kind of person do you like? If no one marries you or comes to be your husband in the future, I’ll help you look for someone.”

Hearing him mock her, Fan Changyu became annoyed and said, “At least not someone with a nasty temper like yours! With that sharp tongue of yours, you should worry about finding a wife yourself!”

Xie Zheng sat down with one leg half-bent and said with a seemingly mocking smile, “I wouldn’t marry someone like you either. I need to marry someone gentle, virtuous, and good at managing the household.”

The last pebble in his hand was thrown particularly far, flying over the courtyard wall to who knows where.

Fan Changyu glanced at his delicate profile, lowered her eyes, and tugged at the corner of her mouth, saying frankly, “I like refined and gentle men, preferably well-read, talented, modest, good-tempered, and with a nice smile. When my mother was alive, she said my personality was too boisterous and I needed someone more refined to keep me in check for a lasting relationship.”

There was an inexplicable bitterness in her heart. Fan Changyu thought it was probably because she remembered her mother.

She said, “We’ve been through thick and thin together for so long. You’re about to leave, so don’t curse me to have no one in the future. I wish you to marry a gentle and virtuous wife in the future, and you should wish for me to find a refined and gentle husband!”

Xie Zheng said, “Alright.”

His smile was truly beautiful.

As he stood up, he even kindly extended a hand to Fan Changyu. Fan Changyu’s legs were a bit numb from sitting for so long. Seeing his hand in front of her, she thoughtlessly placed her hand on his.

The change happened in that instant. Fan Changyu was pulled into his arms by a tremendous force. The grip on her uninjured wrist was so strong it felt like it might break that wrist too.

He grasped her chin and lowered his head, almost violently sealing her lips with his.