At this moment, Fan Xicheng came over to say the wine had been warmed. Han Daoxun invited Guo Rong to sit down in the dining room of the western wing. There were no delicacies—a dish of cured pork, a dish of plain-cut mutton, and a dish of arrowhead root braised with chicken were all ingredients Han Qian and the others had brought from the manor today. A jar of Apricot Blossom Yellow wine was heated, its fragrance filling the room…

Han Daoxun dismissed Fan Xicheng, Zhao Kuo, and the others, leaving only Han Qian to sit beside them and attend while he and Guo Rong drank.

Han Qian carefully attended at the side. After three rounds of wine, he learned that the middle-aged man in blue robes was Guo Rong, Assistant Director of Palace Servants in the Palace Attendants Bureau.

Though the Third Imperial Prince was leaving the palace this time, he would not be directly enfeoffed as a prince but merely as a marquis. Being young and holding no official position, the marquis’s residence would not immediately establish officials like Chief Administrator or Registrar. But even as a marquis, the Third Imperial Prince was absolutely different from marquises of other surnames.

Since the Third Imperial Prince hadn’t yet come of age, all affairs of his residence were the responsibility of the Palace Attendants Bureau. This Guo Rong was the chief palace attendant who would accompany the Third Imperial Prince out of the palace to his residence, responsible for overseeing all matters large and small at the Third Imperial Prince’s marquis residence.

Besides this, the Third Imperial Prince’s marquis residence would also have a guard force of one hundred twenty men.

Though the Third Imperial Prince’s tutoring lecturers would be selected from renowned Confucian scholars in the court, Han Qian, Feng Yi, and the other four ministers’ sons serving as reading companions would normally still be under Guo Rong’s supervision at the Marquis of Linjiang’s residence.

Though Han Qian had lived in Jinling for only a short time, he knew that his father Han Daoxun, apart from associating with a few old friends from Xuanzhou, did not befriend court ministers, much less interact with palace eunuchs.

He naturally assumed that his father had specifically invited Guo Rong to the residence for drinks this time because of his unfilial self, going to great pains on his behalf. He felt somewhat moved.

“Master Guo is going to attend the Third Imperial Prince this time. Does Father know whose idea this was in the palace?” After Han Daoxun sent Fan Xicheng to personally drive Guo Rong back to the palace gates, Han Qian stood at the alley entrance. Seeing the carriage disappear at the alley’s mouth and noticing his father’s face showed considerable worry, he asked with confusion.

“…” Han Daoxun looked at Han Qian with surprise and asked, “Why do you ask this?”

“Your son will be attending the Third Imperial Prince and will inevitably have to say some clever words to please the master. But if I don’t understand which important person in the palace promoted Uncle Guo to attend the Third Imperial Prince, I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing,” Han Qian said.

“It’s good that you understand this principle.”

Seeing that though Han Qian was usually dissolute and wayward, at critical moments he could still distinguish severity from safety, Han Daoxun felt somewhat reassured. Looking left and right, he walked into the residence with Han Qian while speaking.

“The Third Imperial Prince is the son of Imperial Consort Lady Wang. The Third Imperial Prince leaving the palace for his residence—it’s said that all affairs are the Palace Attendants Bureau’s responsibility, but these years all matters large and small in the palace have been presided over by Anning Palace…”

The Chu state had been newly established for only twelve years, but imitating the political system of the previous dynasty, it had already formed a rather massive bureaucratic system with numerous palace eunuch personnel.

Han Qian had only been in Jinling for four or five months and previously paid no attention to court affairs, yet he knew that currently three women held the most exalted positions in the inner palace.

Empress Xu was the mistress of the inner palace, residing permanently in Anning Palace. She had given birth to Crown Prince Yang Yuanwo. Empress Xu’s eldest brother Xu Mingzhen was not only the current National Uncle but also one of the six Regional Military Commissioners with actual power remaining in the Chu state. At this time, the Xu family still had many people holding important positions in the court.

Though Crown Prince Yang Yuanwo was dissolute and wayward and not favored by Emperor Tianyou, he could still remain securely in the Eastern Palace and receive support from a group of ministers. Besides being the legitimate eldest son and Empress Xu being Emperor Tianyou’s original wife who shared his hardships, this had much to do with Xu Mingzhen holding military power in Shouzhou and Xu Zhixun, Xu Zhixun, and others controlling authority in the court.

Imperial Consort Shi gave birth to Prince Xin Yang Yuanyan.

Prince Xin Yang Yuanyan, whether in temperament or ability, was more like Emperor Tianyou. At this time he concurrently held the position of Defense Commissioner of Chuzhou, commanding troops stationed in Chuzhou. Together with Shouzhou under Xu Mingzhen’s control and the military stronghold of Xiangzhou to the west, they formed a defensive line against the powerful northern states of Liang and Jin.

Imperial Prince Yang Yuanpu, born to Imperial Consort Lady Wang, was the youngest, only thirteen years old this year, and had been living in the palace all along.

Though Imperial Consort Lady Wang was only thirty years old, it was said that before conceiving Imperial Prince Pu, she had merely been a personal maid beside Empress Xu. She was favored by Emperor Tianyou while he was drunk, but afterward did not receive Emperor Tianyou’s affection. Suspected by Empress Xu, she was only enfeoffed as Imperial Consort after giving birth to Imperial Prince Yang Yuanpu.

Han Qian had now willingly become a chess piece planted by Wanhong Tower beside the Third Imperial Prince Yang Yuanpu to resolve his current crisis. But if Wanhong Tower’s conspiracy was exposed, he would still find it hard to escape the disaster of death.

If he wanted to act according to circumstances, he first had to understand clearly the complex people and affairs around the Third Imperial Prince Yang Yuanpu.

“Even if Master Guo was sent by Anning Palace, when you’re beside the Imperial Prince, your words must not be careless!” Without Han Qian needing to ask further, Han Daoxun feared Han Qian would act rashly beside the Third Imperial Prince. He called Han Qian to the main hall and patiently analyzed various critical relationships one by one…

“Father, don’t rush to lecture me. I’ve also been thinking about this these past days. Father, listen to what I have to say first. If there are any errors, Father can point out the mistakes—I’ll remember more deeply that way,” Han Qian said boldly. If he wanted to gain greater discretion and freedom in the future, he still needed to earn his father Han Daoxun’s trust.

“…” Han Daoxun was slightly stunned, but didn’t interrupt Han Qian’s words. After all, no matter how much he said, it had to reach Han Qian’s heart. At this moment, he might as well listen to what Han Qian himself was thinking.

“Even if Guo Rong was sent by Anning Palace, in the court after all it’s the Emperor’s will that matters most. If we’re talking about who could make Guo Rong change with the wind, that person would undoubtedly be the Emperor first. Therefore, Guo Rong’s true inner attitude will still shift subtly according to the Emperor’s preferences—it can’t be treated uniformly. So even if one must say some clever words favoring the Crown Prince and Anning Palace, before Guo Rong, one must also be moderate.”

Han Qian spoke of the information he had organized during this time.

“Currently there are rumors in the court that the Emperor dislikes the Crown Prince, but fears that Empress Xu and the Xu family have grown too powerful to be controlled, so he dares not act rashly. Even though many ministers know this in their hearts, according to principle, the court should not discuss it casually, and it certainly shouldn’t reach the ears of people like me. Yet I’ve only been in Jinling for a few months and have already heard many people discussing this matter privately. In my heart, I think there must be someone deliberately spreading this information behind the scenes. However, regardless of who this interested party is, if they think that the Third Imperial Prince Pu is young, has no hope for the throne, and is least subject to suspicion, they’re gravely mistaken—because once the waters are muddied, no one can remain unaffected. I also have self-awareness. Though I can’t be called hopeless, my learning is truly limited. I shouldn’t really qualify to accompany the Third Imperial Prince in his studies. But someone specifically selected me along with Feng Yi, Kong Xirong, and Zhou Kun, clearly with calculated intent. Conversely, this also undoubtedly shows that not everyone believes the Third Imperial Prince has no chance whatsoever…”

“…” Han Daoxun listened to Han Qian speak eloquently, slightly stunned. Then the light in his eyes suddenly became more severe as he pressed, “Who told you all these things?”

Han Qian had wanted to put on a show, then hint to his father that Zhou Kun’s paralysis wasn’t purely accidental. But he hadn’t expected his father wouldn’t believe these were his own conclusions at all—his first reaction was actually to be vigilant that someone was instigating him behind the scenes. He felt helpless.

Han Qian smiled bitterly and said, “Some of these things were what Feng Yi and Kong Xirong came to tell me today, and some I thought up myself.”

Whether Feng Wenlan or Kong Zhou, both were currently generals in the court with neutral or ambiguous attitudes. They should know that their sons accompanying the Third Imperial Prince Yang Yuanpu in his studies was no good assignment. Taking time these days to instruct them was appropriate.

With Han Qian explaining it this way, Han Daoxun found it reasonable. He was indeed somewhat worried that someone had already directly targeted Han Qian.

“Regardless of who told you this, it’s good that you can take it to heart.”

Han Daoxun said seriously.

“Toward Master Guo, you should be close but not lose your sense of propriety. Additionally, though the Third Imperial Prince is indeed subject to suspicion, and many people do have schemes and calculations regarding him, the Third Imperial Prince is still young. As long as the court’s overall situation can be settled quickly, and the Third Imperial Prince hasn’t truly come of age, even those around him, though they may be suspected, won’t be too deeply implicated. At this time, you should still cast aside other thoughts. Beside the Third Imperial Prince, follow along and study well, keep to your duties, don’t act recklessly—that will be enough!”

“Since Father wants me to remain still rather than move, why did you invite Uncle Guo to our residence today?” Han Qian ultimately didn’t want to be too belittled by his father Han Daoxun and couldn’t help asking this question.

“…” Han Daoxun looked at Han Qian strangely and said, “Don’t ask randomly about some matters, and don’t speak of them outside.”

“Your son understands,” Han Qian said gloomily, thinking perhaps he’d guessed wrong—maybe it wasn’t his father who had actively invited Guo Rong for drinks?

Han Qian pondered further. Feng Yi’s father Feng Wenlan was Vice Minister of Revenue, Kong Xirong’s father Kong Zhou was Deputy Commander of the Left Divine Martial Army—both were powerful generals in the court with ambiguous attitudes. That Feng Yi and Kong Xirong had been selected by interested parties to accompany the Third Imperial Prince in his studies could be called “the tree wants to be still but the wind won’t stop.” But his father Han Daoxun, as Deputy Secretary Monitor, held a leisurely post. That he himself had been drawn into this affair was somewhat strange.

Previously, Han Qian absolutely couldn’t have thought this deeply, but at this time he had unknowingly been too deeply influenced by that strange dream.

The information he had was too limited to analyze anything further. And his father still regarded him as an unlearned, frivolous wastrel. Since Han Qian couldn’t gain his father’s trust at this moment, he stopped pressing with questions. He glanced at the twelve small gold ingots he’d just produced, still lying on the table in the main hall where his father Han Daoxun had tossed them, and prepared to take his leave.

“Take the twelve gold ingots and use them. In the future, beside the Third Imperial Prince, you’ll inevitably need expenses, but you must not squander recklessly like before!” Han Daoxun said sternly.

Twelve small gold ingots, worth one hundred twenty to one hundred thirty thousand cash—even in an official’s household, this was no small sum.

As Deputy Secretary Monitor, Han Daoxun’s salary plus seasonal rewards might only total four to five hundred thousand cash per year.

In recent years, warfare had occurred frequently in the Central Plains, and the region south of the Yangtze wasn’t peaceful either. But large numbers of wealthy and powerful households had moved south to Jinling with Emperor Tianyou, causing land prices for grain fields near Jinling to soar.

Even so, good farmland in Jiangcheng County cost only ten thousand cash per mu.

These twelve gold ingots could buy twelve or thirteen mu of the finest rice paddies in Jinling.

And like their visit to Wanhong Tower today—even without freeloading, even finding someone like Yao Xishui to provide company—one or two small gold ingots would be enough to have a thoroughly satisfying time, since they weren’t buying Yao Xishui’s red pill.

If Han Qian weren’t backed by the great Xuanzhou Han clan, he absolutely wouldn’t have the opportunity to squander so recklessly.

“From now on, however much your son withdraws from the bronze shop and what it’s spent on, I’ll have Zhao Kuo record it in the account books and report it to Father quarterly,” Han Qian said.

Even if he didn’t hope to escape Wanhong Tower’s control at this time, he currently needed money to befriend Feng Yi and the others, to recruit Zhao Wuji under his command, and even to win over Zhao Kuo and the other household guards so they wouldn’t cause him trouble.

Besides occasional rewards, he would have no fixed salary to receive while accompanying the Third Imperial Prince in his studies.

He planned to continue drawing money from the Han Family Bronze Shop in the future. At the same time, he didn’t want to incur his father Han Daoxun’s suspicion and doubts over this, so he might as well establish the rule of keeping accounts for review now.

“It’s good that you have the heart to know restraint,” Han Daoxun said with a gloomy expression. Though he didn’t directly prevent it, his expression showed he didn’t want to see Han Qian continue withdrawing money from the Han Family Bronze Shop to squander.

***

Han Qian returned to his room. Shortly after, Zhao Kuo knocked on the door, bringing a copper basin with washing water—Qing Yun’s body was too frail and she didn’t dare ride horses, so she hadn’t accompanied Han Qian and the others to the city today.

After Han Qian washed up, he pointed at the twelve gold ingots on the table and said to Zhao Kuo, “You didn’t speak carelessly just now—very good. I don’t have an accountant at my side, so from now on you’ll manage my money and goods. In the future, however much is withdrawn from the bronze shop, how much is spent, and where it’s spent—you must remember it all in your mind and report the detailed accounts to my father each month…”

“This old servant absolutely dares not speak out of turn,” Zhao Kuo said.

“I’m telling you to report this—who’s blaming you for speaking out of turn?” Han Qian said.

“…” Hearing Han Qian say this, Zhao Kuo nodded in agreement and said, “If the Young Master has no other instructions, this old servant will go out first…”

After speaking, Zhao Kuo carried out the copper basin with the used washing water.

Han Qian’s brow furrowed slightly as he stared at Zhao Kuo’s departing back.

Zhao Kuo seemed to be the most inconspicuous among the household guards, already in his forties, but by nature lazy and cowardly, seemingly able to be ordered about by anyone, and thus looked down upon by the other household guards.

Han Qian had used Zhao Wuji to kill Fan Wucheng, forcing Fan Xicheng into despondency so he could no longer restrain him as before. The other household guards, seeing Han Qian’s elbow turn outward to actually favor a tenant farmer’s son, distanced themselves from Han Qian even more. Therefore, the only person Han Qian could currently use was still just Zhao Kuo alone.

During this time, Han Qian had also deliberately elevated Zhao Kuo’s status among the household guards.

By rights, since Han Qian’s own position wasn’t yet stable, whether through intimidation or winning him over, if Zhao Kuo was truly a timid person, he should feel some trepidation in his heart. But Han Qian hadn’t seen this at all in him during this time.

Moreover, Fan Dahei had complained before him that Zhao Kuo had a poor memory and couldn’t be entrusted with important matters. Yet Zhao Kuo now didn’t seem to think remembering each month’s detailed income and expenditure accounts was a difficult task.

Was Zhao Kuo a Wanhong Tower person?

No.

Han Qian didn’t believe Zhao Kuo would be from Wanhong Tower.

Zhao Kuo had become a household guard for the Han family when his father Han Daoxun served as Investigating Judge in Chuzhou—that was already five years ago…

If Wanhong Tower had been laying plans around his father Han Daoxun so early, this time they would only need to follow the current and use Zhao Kuo to control him. How could they possibly first think of eliminating him so their people would have a chance to infiltrate beside the Third Imperial Prince?

Zhao Kuo wasn’t from Wanhong Tower and shouldn’t have any involvement with Yao Xishui and her people. Perhaps he was just borrowing a place to hide and bore no ill will toward his father Han Daoxun or himself?

Thinking this way was somewhat self-deceiving, but he already had so many bloodsucking lice on his body. For now, he didn’t want to alert the snake by beating the grass around Zhao Kuo and make the situation even more complex.

Zhao Kuo, with his stooped figure and timid nature, had just descended the covered corridor carrying the copper basin full of face-washing water when, as if realizing he’d revealed a flaw, or perhaps instinctively sensing Han Qian staring at him, his body suddenly stiffened in the corridor. He stopped for several seconds before turning back to look.

Seeing Han Qian staring at him, Zhao Kuo asked, “Young Master, do you have any other instructions?”

“There’s nothing else,” Han Qian said impassively.

He then gently closed the door. Han Qian thought he should find a way to drive Zhao Kuo away from his side in the future, but right now he truly had no one else he could use.

Thinking that there wasn’t a single person around him he could trust, and that he had to constantly worry his head might roll the next day, Han Qian sat in his room feeling somewhat agitated and restless. He could only set up his boxing stance and practice a round of Stone Duke Boxing to barely calm his mood.