Chapter 408: Wuzhou Uncle
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Diaoyu Tai, 10 years without a visit, even the wild gulls guess where I went. White clouds float across the green mountains, facing the lovely wine, I drink deeply. Although I lack Yizhou's talent in governance, my interest in alcohol supersedes that of Liu and Ruan, and my love of poetry is also not below that of Li and Du. Suan Zhai laughs at me, I admire Suan Zhai.
The night comes and the wild monkeys of West Lake cry out. How many extraordinary people have been there in 20 years, rising and falling with the blossoming and withering of the flowers. Gazing at the skies, worshipping the military parade stage. With stars in sleeve and peace in heart, break the spell of smoke. Suan Zhai laughs at me, I ridicule Suan Zhai.
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The weather in Wuzhou was at its height. Perhaps the little flowers in the corners of the streets knew they did not have many more days, so used all their strength to indignantly bloom for the last time. The yellow color contrasted sharply against the grey city wall and appeared to be particularly eye-piercing.
To the right of the neighboring lake was Wuzhou's recently built restaurant. It was the place to go for quiet and liveliness. The so-called quiet liveliness was not actually in conflict. The peace referred to the environment, while the liveliness referred to the people.
It was just past noon and the sun emanated eye-piercing rays of brilliance. The baking heat drifted along the city and chased the leisurely people into the restaurant. Behind the restaurant was a recently excavated little lake. The lake wind took this opportunity to pour itself over the people just like the big fans the palace treasury produced, except it did not need manpower and was able to bring the people a sense of coolness.
Duckweed flourished on the surface of the lake. It covered the surface thickly and hid the sunlight, using its shadows to protect the fish in the water.
Ever since the Baoyue Brothel was added to Jingdou, all the restaurants in the world seemed to have gone crazy in a night. They began to copy that kind of arrangement with a lake behind the restaurant and a courtyard on the banks of the lake.
However, the building, lake, and courtyard in Wuzhou actually all belonged to one person.
This person, in the minds of the Wuzhou people, was like the peacefulness of the building, duckweed on the lake, and cool breeze winding through the people. He was everywhere, protecting everything in Wuzhou.
Wuzhou did not have major merchants, large families, or military, they only had him.
Ever since this man, born into poverty, began to serve as an official over 20 years ago, his name had become a symbol of Wuzhou. As long as he was present, the lives of the Wuzhou people were good.
Everyone had feelings for their hometown. Although everyone in the world believed that this man was the first evil Prime Minister since ancient times, for Wuzhou, he…was Wuzhou. In officialdom, people often relinquished his tabooed name and directly referred to him as Sir Lin Wuzhou.
He also was known as the last Prime Minister of Qing Kingdom, Lin Ruofu, who now was retired in Wuzhou.
Ever since Lin Ruofu had quit his post and returned to his hometown, given his identity, he rarely came out to meet the people of Wuzhou. Even the Zhizhou, who was as respectful as a grandson, and the governor, who demonstrated the respect of a disciple, did not have many opportunities to see his face. However, his influence in Wuzhou was still something no one could compare to. Putting aside influence, at least half the property in Wuzhou was surnamed Lin.
Because he sought the wealth of the world, Wuzhou flourished. So, no matter what, the people of Wuzhou would never say a negative word against Lin Ruofu, even the most hot-headed of scholars.
But, it might not be the case for other people.
"I will protest the unfairness on behalf of the Ming family." In the restaurant, a man around 30 years old was speaking indignantly with anger between his brows. It was unknown what his profession was ,but the vitriol in his tone could not be hidden. "Is the court only going to fine his salary after he forced someone to die?"
The effect of the Jiangnan matter was too big. Its influence had reached the Wuzhou territory in Jiangbei. The world had a lot of say about the Jiangnan matter. After all, Qing Kingdom was not a sealed country with tightly sealed roads, and the Eighth Bureau of the Overwatch Council did not have the power to keep an eye on all the places outside of Jingdou, so when the people discussed this, they were quite daring.
Because of the old Ming matriarch's unusual death, the reputation of imperial envoy Fan Xian took a great hit. After a series of actions, the Ming family was rocked by the wind and rain and further proved Fan Xian's ruthlessness. In this world, people often sympathized with the weak, so in their discussions, they often despised the side of the government.
However, after Fan Xian took to the stage, he had been too brilliant and eye-catching that even the darkness of the Overwatch Council could not dampen his brilliance. So, not everyone was protesting injustice for the Ming family. Those young scholars, who knew where they had received the information, once again edged their butts closer to the side of Sir Fan junior, leader of all scholars under heaven.
When all was said and done, not many people believed that the poetic Sir Fan junior would actually be after the Ming family's silver.
"The Ming family? What injustice?" A young man in his early 20s laughed mockingly. "They're nothing more than bandits who colluded with pirates and killed to steal goods. It is the court's good fortune and our blessing that Sir Fan junior defeated them. Only stupid people like you would make such a dumb announcement."
That middle-aged man became furious. He slapped the table and said, "What pirates? Don't attack maliciously. I am a Suzhou man. The old Ming matriarch was unbelievably benevolent…she's already dead, she is not to be recklessly framed by an ignorant child like you!"
The young man arguing with him earlier was a scholar of Wuzhou Hearing the middle-aged person announcing his origin, only then did he know that the other person was a traveler from Suzhou. He couldn't help laughing coldly and waving his fan. He said, "This matter has already spread throughout the scholars. Do you really think the Ming family is that innocent?"
"It's actually Sir Fan junior…dare I ask, do you know of anything Sir Fan junior has done that was not honorable?"
The Suzhou merchant paused. Thinking carefully, he realized that Sir Fan junior had been working for the court in Jingdou for the last few years and there was actually no evidence to say he had done anything despicable.
The Wuzhou scholar smiled slightly and said, "Can't think of anything, right? Sir Fan junior is a heaven-born genius who holds himself very properly. He exposed the spring examination scandal and tossed Northern Qi's national prestige outside the city. Such a figure, how could he fight for powerful with you bronze-stinking merchants? The Ming family…if they had not done so many things in secret that angered both humans and spirits, how could they force Sir Fan junior to act?"
These words were actually a bit unreasonable, but still the Suzhou merchant was unable to counter it for the time being. He could only viciously say, "The Ming family colluded with pirates? Even the Jiangnan people didn't know, yet you Wuzhou people knew…where are the pirates? How come the court didn't capture them? If there really was a problem with the Ming family, the court should publicly try the case. How could they use power to threaten people?"
The two parties' argument became more and more violent, and their voices and anger gradually rose. Although the merchant was not speechless, his face was red. He stood up and rolled up his sleeves, gearing up for a fight.
Fortunately, someone came up from the side to hold him back so that the weak scholar did not get the worst of it.
No one noticed that in the process of stopping the fight there seemed to be a few feet that kicked at the merchant, making the merchant repeatedly howl with pain.
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Seeing this sight, the people in the restaurant were startled, particularly travelers passing through Wuzhou. They were thinking and discussing the matter of Sir Fan junior. Why did it seem like the Suzhou merchant had offended everyone in Wuzhou? As they watched for a bit longer, the travelers felt a chill in their hearts. Even the shop boy had gone up to land a kick.
Finally, someone could not keep watching. A frail cry came from a table in the corner, "Everyone, stop!"
The owner of the voice was a girl. She wore a skintight, light yellow shirt that enveloped her curvy figure. At her waist was tied a long sword. It looked like she was a jianghu figure. Her appearance was also very delicate.
Hearing this cry, the people at the same table as her all quietly cursed, thinking, their little sister disciple was going to make trouble again. With some fear, they looked at their master sitting at the back and wanted to call the girl back, however, the girl had moved quickly and was already walking to the center of the room.
The master of everyone at that table appeared calm. His age was near middle-aged. The atmosphere around his body was reserved, and it was impossible to see his depths. He only shook his head with pain. It seemed like there was little he could do about the girl.
The people who were trying to make peace saw a meddlesome person approaching and dispersed, leaving the pitiful Suzhou merchant in the center. After all, the woman was carrying a sword beside her, which common person would want to provoke her?
The Wuzhou people in the building laughed and didn't even bother to acknowledge her. It was the scholar from earlier who smiled coldly and said, "To insult a court official in a public place in front of all these people, even if the officials are benevolent, can people such as us not strike out?"
"Insulting a court officials?" That young woman furrowed her brows with loathing and said, "What is great about that Fan Xian?"
The building erupted into a clamor. Even the Suzhou merchant who had spoken so disrespectfully of Fan Xian couldn't help but be shocked at hearing this girl so boastfully looking down on Fan Xian.
Who was Fan Xian? In today's world, which other young person was more in the limelight than him? How could the girl dare to say such things?
The Wuzhou scholar smiled coldly and said, "Sir Fan junior is indeed nothing special, except it is difficult to find someone else who is more exceptional[JW1] than him."
That pretty girl furrowed her brows as if she felt that it wasn't much of a skill to bully these people. She asked, "But what does that have to do with you?"
The Wuzhou scholar smiled slightly mockingly and said, "You don't understand? Sir Fan junior is Wuzhou's uncle[JW2] , yet this man dared to speak ill of him in a restaurant in Wuzhou. Don't you think he deserves a beating?"
Fan Xian had married Lin Ruofu's daughter, and so naturally he had built a close and exceptional relationship with Wuzhou, a place he had never visited. After Prime Minister left his post, Wuzhou no longer had someone to speak for them in Jingdou. The people couldn't help but be somewhat angry, but Fan Xian, this uncle, had done so well for himself that naturally, the Wuzhou people also felt some honor. How could they tolerate a foreign traveler discussing Fan Xian so presumptuously?
The Suzhou merchant's beating was an unexpected calamity. He should have remembered Sir Fan junior's relation to Wuzhou.
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The beautiful girl seemed to dislike hearing Fan Xian's name. The corners of her mouth twitched and she revealed the glimmer of a ridiculing expression. "So what? I don't see him daring to be presumptuous in our Northern Qi? So he is only relying on his father-in-law's might and hiding in Wuzhou like a turtle…"
So, the people from that table were from Northern Qi.
It was said that the South Kingdom had long renewed diplomatic relations with Northern Qi, and they were currently in the honeymoon period with the marriage between the two countries in addition to Ku He accepting a disciple. However, after all, they were enemies of many decades. The hatred between the people of the two countries had not reduced much. Hearing the girl exposing her identity, fear and cautiousness appeared on everyone's face.
Even the Suzhou merchant that had been beaten felt like he was unlucky and spat onto the floor. He didn't thank his savior at all, instead he turned and went downstairs.
The beautiful girl was noble born, and her master was also second to none. Ever since her youth, she had never received so many eye-rolls, immediately her mood became terrible.
It just happened that at this moment, the Wuzhou scholar cursed in great anger, "If Sir Fan junior is a turtle…then what does that make your Northern Qi's Sage girl?"
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The restaurant immediately became silent. It was so silent that it seemed like the movement of the girl's hair beside her angry expression could be heard.
The Northern Qi girl's face became cold, and a chill flashed through her eyes. It seemed that she had been provoked to real anger by these words. Her fingers slowly pressed down on the sword hilt beside her. A gust of sword will came out and immediately it was as if the cool breeze in the building had been frozen in place.
Such an incredible realm, how could a normal person stand against it? The Wuzhou scholar only felt his leg soften. He knelt to the ground with a face full of shock.
At the table, the Northern Qi girl's teacher shook his head with a solemn expression full of disapproval and said, "Don't hurt them."
The Northern Qi girl viciously released the hilt of her sword, but her expression flickered rapidly and she slapped out with a palm.
At this moment, a grey shadow flashed and blocked in front of the Wuzhou scholar.
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At the table, the middle-aged man's brow furrowed.
The beautiful girl's strike had gone out, and it was impossible to pull it back. She slammed it against a hard object.
The girl gave a muffled groan and felt a great power coming from the other person's body. She was no match for them. Her chest thumped, and she was shocked back a number of steps.
The newcomer wore a grey outfit. One hand was blocked steadily in front of him with a long sword held in their grip. The tip of the sword was resting on the floor. He had used this sword to block the girl's faintly discernible and indefinite strike.
The girl looked at the strange sword in the grey-clothed man's hand. She looked at his expressionless face and huffed coldly. She knew she wasn't a match for him, but she did not feel scared. Her master and her brother disciples were all sitting on the table behind her. In the entire Qing Kingdom, as long as Ye Liuyun did not come, who could do anything to her?
However, she was not willing to get the worse of that strike. She gritted her teeth. Flipping her wrist, she pulled out the thin sword beside her. The pattern on the sword gleamed as she prepared to attack.
"Come back."
At the table behind her, the middle-aged man spoke slowly. Although his voice was quiet, it had a severity that would not tolerate disobedience.
The girl stomped her foot angrily and retreated to the table. Unwillingly, she said, "Master, let me fight once more. I believe I can beat him."
The middle-aged man smiled slightly and said, "Last year, in Shangjing, even your elder brother disciple Chen, Chen Puzhu, lost at this man's hands, how could you be his match?"
The girl was startled and turned her head to look at the man only to see the master that had appeared from nowhere bow to her teacher, "Sir Lang Tiao, long time no see."
"Brother Gao, long time no see. What a coincidence today."
The middle-aged man at the table was the first disciple for Northern Qi's Imperial Advisor Ku He, the top master in the Palace, and Haitang Duoduo's brother disciple, Lang Tiao. The grey-clothed man wielding the long knife who rescued the Wuzhou scholar earlier was Fan Xian's close personal guard, Gao Da.
Coincidental? For the people from two sides to suddenly meet in Wuzhou was not something "coincidence" could explain.
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Lang Tiao gazed at Gao Da's slight smile and said, "He still won't see me?"
Gao Da's expression did not change. He respectfully replied, "The journey was tiring. The Mistress is quietly recovering and the young master has no time."
The girl watched curiously as her teacher talked to this person. Only now did she know that her teacher knew this person. She had long been cultivating in the mountain and did not know what had happened in Northern Qi, so she did not guess Gao Da's identity. Even on this trip to Jiangnan, which was of her initiative, she had no idea of her teacher's true plan.
Lang Tian slowly lowered his head. Holding his wine cup gently with two fingers, he quietly said, "I trouble you to take back a line for me, this matter cannot keep being dragged on…we Northern Qi people have our own pride."
Finishing these words, Lang Tiao rose and prepared to take his disciples and leave the building.
The bamboo curtain to the side suddenly moved slightly and a young handsome man slowly walked out from behind the curtain. His appearance was very delicate. His lips were pressed together, and there was an innocent smile on his face. There was also a heart chilling coldness within it.
Lang Tiao stopped his steps and gazed deeply at this newcomer.
The young man only slightly inclined his head in greeting and turned his face. With a not-quite-there smile, he looked at the girl making a fuss and said, "This is Qing territory. You committed a violent act right on the street. Do you think you can just leave like this?"
Lang Tiao was slightly startled. He did not know why someone of the other person's status would make things difficult for his female disciple. He prepared to say something but saw the other party determinedly waved his hands to stop him. Lang Tiao shook his head helplessly. The Northern Qi court depended on this young man in too many ways, so he could only let him do as he pleased.
The Northern Qi girl did not know who the other party was and only thought it was another pedantic scholar who only knew how to argue and incite others. She smiled coldly, and said, "I am who I am, my surname is Wei and my name is Yingning. Do you have anything to say?"
"Wei Yingning?" The young mane looked at this beautiful girl and his eyes lit up. He thought about the current news as well as Lang Tiao's purpose in coming to Jiangnan, immediately he understood why this girl was so angry earlier.
He turned toward Lang Tiao and asked, "Your disciple?"
Lang Tiao contained a smile and nodded.
The young man scratched his head, "She is Wei Hua's younger sister?"
Lang Tiao once again nodded. He found it slightly funny and waited to see how the young man would deal with this matter.
No one expected that the young man only made an oh sound and did not ask anymore. He turned to face the girl named Wei Yingning and said in a gentle and warm voice, "Seeing that there hasn't been any negative consequences, leave the sword and I will spare you this time."
Leave the sword? Wei Yongning was very angry. The Tianyi Dao put a great significance on things imparted from the teacher. This sword by her side was given by her teacher. If the sword is there, so is the person. If the sword dies, so does the person. How could she casually leave it behind?
She smiled coldly and said, "Who are you to speak so arrogantly?"
A glimmer of anger finally appeared between Lang Tiao's brows. It seemed he had not expected that the young man would care so little for old friendships.
He gazed at Wei Yingning and smiled slightly. "Never mind for now who I am but I know what kind of person you are. You are Wei Hua's sister…while I call your old father brother at the table, you are considered by junior, so what if I discipline you a little?"
He turned again to gaze at Lang Tiao and smiled coldly, "To use such a shameless method for me to show myself, it is amusing?"
Lang Tiao gave a bitter laugh and sat down again. The disciples with him saw their younger disciple sister being humiliated, yet this teacher of theirs, who had a great reputation in Northern Qi, did not do or ask anything. They couldn't help but be shocked.
Wei Yingning listened to his words and did not believe them at all. Her father was Marquis Changing, the younger brother of the empress dowager of Northern Qi, how could he be brothers with this young man who was as pretty as a woman? Her lips trembled slightly and pointed her sword forward, crying out, "Don't speak such nonsense."
The young man looked at her with disapproval, thinking, Such an explosive temperament is not like Wei Hua, that sneaky thief. Rather, it was very much like Marquis Ning, that drunkard. Never mind his relation to her family, just speaking of the trouble that old Northern Qi whore brought him, he would have to teach her a proper lesson today.
He moved his hand like lightning. The tips of his fingers gently touched the web between the thumb and forefinger in Hei Yingning's hand and gently and cleverly stole her sword.
This move was as quick as lightning but, more importantly, there had been no sign of it. The movement had been very small…it was a very beautiful little trick.
Wei Yingning's stared at this scene like she had seen a ghost. She opened her mouth in fright and could not say anything.
The young man slowly stroked the face of the long sword and said with approval, "It is indeed a very good sword. Wei Hua that kid had used all the money his old man had given him on his own manor, and still…he had the face to steal my wife."
Wei Yingning's chest tightened and found that she was truly stupid that it had taken until now for her to realize the other person's identity. Her elder brother was a general of the Brocade Guard, he was someone everyone was afraid of. In this entire world, other than the Emperor, perhaps it was only him who dared to speak so disdainfully.
The young man gently flicked the back of the sword, gazing at her furrowed brows, he said, "My young sister is your aunt disciple, my not-yet married wife is your elder aunt disciple. No matter how you see it, you are my junior. Is there any problem for me to discipline you?"
Tianyi Dao was actually very particular about this. Wei Yingning had nothing to say, she was only thinking, How dare this hateful young man in front her disrespect aunt disciple Duoduo like that? To subject the Wei manor to such humiliation, her face was red with anger.
"Correct, I am Wuzhou's uncle," Fan Xian smiled slightly and said. "I am very clear as to why you are here, but give up the thought and have Wei Hua also give up this thought. More accurately, please have your empress dowager give up this thought. After a few more days, you…will eventually have to call me uncle."
Finishing his words, he twisted the sword in his hand into a piece scrap metal and threw it back.
[JW1] There is a pun here in Chinese.
"没什么了不起" and "了不起" Same characters, different phrasing, so the meanings are opposite.
[JW2]"姑爷"– Literal translation is uncle, but it's also sometimes used as a title of respect. There is no direct English translation.
Chapter 409: Negotiations With Wife's Family
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It was said that Fan Xian and his group had long left Hangzhou and been in Wuzhou for almost half a month. Other than letting the Emperor know of this ahead of time, it was not revealed, so the people of Wuzhou did not know.
However, there was no such thing as a complete secret. Matters like going to visit an old family home made it even more difficult to hide. Thus, the first disciple of the Northern Qi Imperial Advisor, the first master in the Palace Lang Tiao, knowing of Fan Xian's movements was not something difficult to imagine.
Lang Tiao's trip to Jiangnan also involved another strange and interesting problem.
From the beginning of the sixth year of the Qing calendar, the Northern Qi Sage girl Duoduo had gone to Jiangnan to meet with Fan Xian. The story of these months had long traveled North and South across the Yangtze River. Under Fan Xian's propaganda, the rumors spread and everyone believed that between the imperial envoy of the South Kingdom and the Northern Qi Sage girl Haitang was a layer of unclear and ambiguous connection.
Similar to the situation that Fan Xian and Haitang had worried about in that bed under those blankets, this kind of romantic story between a man and a woman moved too many people's hearts in an expected manner. The Qing Kingdom had not had any reaction, but Northern Qi could no longer remain calm.
Haitang was Ku He's favorite disciple. She was the aunt disciple closest to the Northern Qi Emperor and the Northern Qi empress dowager's favorite of the younger generation.
She was an outstanding girl. She was the image of a Tianmai being responsible for carrying the burden of the essence of the Northern Qi people and promoting the morale of an entire country. This wonderful girl was, rumors said, going to marry into the South Kingdom.
This reality made the Northern Qi people angry and the Northern Qi Emperor anxious. Furthermore, people in high positions knew of Fan Xian's position in the South Kingdom and the dishonorable role he played. The Northern Qi Emperor greatly approved of Fan Xian, to say the least. He was a fan of the "Story of the Stone," and also known as a Stone Fan. Although the empress dowager was not very old, her personality was a bit stubborn. She would not allow a marriage to happen.
Concerning Shen Zhong, Shang Shanhu, and the general of the Brocade Guard, the young Emperor of Northern Qi had successfully forced his mother to compromise. In matters relating to marriage, the Northern Qi empress dowager's words carried significant weight, so the young Northern Qi Emperor could not push forward.
Besides, in the depths of his thoughts, the young Northern Qi Emperor might not wish to see Haitang marry into the Fan manor. First, there was the matter of the few million liang of silver. Second, there was the problem of the Emperor's thoughts. So, he maintained a silence on this matter, while the main initiator was the empress dowager.
The empress dowager's opinion was simple. How could Duoduo, the Sage girl of a nation, be embroiled in such a dirty rumor without being able to extract herself? How could her favorite marry Fan Xian, a scoundrel without any status?
So, she sent out a group of people with Lang Tiao at the head to invite Haitang back to Northern Qi. She also found a suitable marriage for Haitang within their nation.
When all was said and done, no matter what, she would not let Haitang marry Fan Xian.
This was the wish of the entire Northern Qi nation.
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As for Haitang's marriage, the empress dowager had promised her to the son of Marquis Ning: her own nephew, the leader of the Brocade Guard, Wei Hua. The two people's ages were similar, and Hua Wei was indeed a capable official with a high status. It was a good match.
Wei Hua was not an idiot. He did not wish to marry a woman much more powerful than himself or want to offend Fan Xian. Everyone knew Fan Xian had inherited an eccentricity from Chen Pingping, which was to solidly shield his shortcomings and firmly hold a grudge.
To steal his wife, how big a grudge would that be? Every time Wei Hua thought about the things Fan Xian had done in Northern Qi, even though he was surrounded by guards from the Brocade Guard, he still felt a chill in his heart.
No matter how much Wei Hua did not wish to marry, he did not have boldness to rebel against the empress dowager's edict. He could only send a personally written secret letter via the Brocade Guard to the Overwatch Council in the South to explain the matter to Fan Xian. At the same time as reminding him of this matter, he also removed himself from it.
Thus, the people going South still came, with that stubborn Lang Tian and Lang Tian's female disciple, Wei Hua's younger sister, Wei Yingning.
She liked Haitang just like all of the girls in Northern Qi. She had always believed that the Overwatch Council commissioner in the South had used some shady trick to make Haitang stay in Suzhou. When she learned that the empress dowager had orders for aunt disciple Haitang to become her sister-in-law, she was the happiest person. After coming to Qing Kingdom, she had become the angriest person.
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From another perspective, everything Fan Xian had done and said was an unbearable humiliation to Marquis Ning's manor, the home of Haitang's future husband. Thus, Wei Yingning had appeared so impetuous. Her impetuousness did not mean that her teacher, Lang Tian, would also be impetuous.
Lang Tiao was the first of Ku He's disciples, a notable and powerful figure in the world. He knew why the empress dowager had himself and this group of people come on a diplomatic mission to the South Kingdom. After passing through the Wuduhe, they had traveled south but stopped in Wuzhou and did not go directly to Suzhou to get Haitang and take her back.
Whether or not Haitang returned was not only a matter concerning Haitang, it also concerned this young man in front of him.
Lang Tiao looked at Fan Xian's delicate and peerless face and couldn't help sighing. If he and his people went to Suzhou to bring Haitang back, whether or not his disciple sister was willing, without receiving Fan Xian's permission, a grudge would certainly be made.
Everyone under heaven knew that the South Kingdom's Sir Fan junior and Northern Qi's Haitang was a match made in heaven.
Even as proud as Lang Tiao was, he did not dare provoke Fan Xian too far. If they wanted to take Haitang back to Northern Qi without Fan Xian's permission, he was afraid they would face the South Kingdom army chasing them down and capturing the. He had the group stop in Wuzhou so he could meet Fan Xian and report this matter to him.
However, Fan Xian clearly knew that these people were in Wuzhou but refused to see them. This was normal. If one knew one's wife's family had sent people to have their wife marry someone else, who had the time to acknowledge them? Not sending the army to completely wipe out the other party was already good enough.
This was the background and prelude to a series of clashes in the restaurant.
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Hearing Fan Xian's frivolous tone, particularly his talk about uncle this and uncle that, the Northern Qi people in the restaurant couldn't help but become angry. The thought the South Kingdom people were indeed shameless and even one such as Fan Xian was not free from vulgarity and acted in such a lowly manner. How could they talk about matters between men and women without their parents' consent and the words of a matchmaker?
Lang Tiao was one who understood Fan Xian. He laughed bitterly and said, "You knew that this matter was impossible. Why be so stubborn?"
Fan Xian rubbed his nose like he had smelled something unpleasant. With a cold smile, he said, "Brother, I have no idea what you are talking about."
Lang Tiao was Haitang's elder brother disciple, so Fan Xian's words were relatively respectful. However, his words couldn't help be provoking as they fell onto Wei Yingning's ears. She truly was the other party's niece now.
Lang Tiao thought for a bit, smiled, clapped his hands, and had his disciples all leave the restaurant.
Fan Xian also smiled. Lifting the front of his robe, he sat down opposite Lang Tiao. Before them was the tea an Overwatch Council subordinate had brought up earlier. The two sat across from each other at the table and faced each other without speaking.
A moment later, Lang Tiao said warmly, "You have been avoiding me. I'll eventually have to go to Suzhou."
Fan Xian nodded and smiled slightly. "Suzhou's scenery is very good. Duoduo and I often wandered the streets. We both like it very much."
Lang Tiao's gaze focused slightly. He changed the topic and said, "There are many things that can be as you want them."
Fan Xian avoided answering and straightforwardly said, "To be honest, there has been nothing in my life that I have wanted and been unable to accomplish."
As the saying goes, when the words are not right, more words are pointless. Lang Tiao's brows furrowed. He didn't what to deal with the scoundrel in front of him. He could guess some of Haitang's thoughts, so he found more and more that the task the empress dowager had set was becoming a thorny problem.
Fan Xian glanced at him and lightly smiled. "The Northern Qi empress dowager wants you to go to Suzhou, so you should go. As for whether or not you can take the person, how is that related to you?"
Hearing these words, Lang Tiao thought for a while and actually smiled. There was an unfathomableness to his smile. "You are so confident. Is it because you are sure that Duoduo will not come back with me?"
Fan Xian was silent and didn't say anything. In this matter, Haitang's desire took the most important position. No one could change anything. Regardless of whether it was Northern Qi or himself, it was futile to try and influence her decision.
Lang Tiao said in a warm voice, "Perhaps you have misunderstood something. I came to Wuzhou to see you not because I need you to help me persuade her…I only want you to know we are going to take her back. This is a matter of etiquette. We are not asking for your permission."
Fan Xian gritted his teeth slightly and said coldly, "Her problem…is that not also my problem?"
"I'm afraid…that perhaps she doesn't think that way." Lang Tiao smiled slightly and gazed at him. "I am her elder brother who has watched her grow up. Although you are friendly with her now, I'm afraid I know much more clearly her true thoughts. She is a proud person. Think about it. Will she stay in Suzhou forever?"
Fan Xian once more became silent. He knew Lang Tiao's words were right. Duoduo looked like a village girl and did things warmly, but because of her powerful ability, she had developed a strong self-confidence in her bones along with pride. It would indeed be difficult to have a girl like this wait for him in Suzhou. Most importantly, up until now, Fan Xian could not promise her anything.
This was a love story. It is the story of a stallion, but really is just a story of a person with another person. It was slightly sad and helpless.
"She is a Northern Qi person," Lang Tiao stared at Fan Xian's eyes and said gently. "This is not a concept forced upon her, rather, it is an understanding she has formed since her youth. When her personal path clashes with the interests of the court and the people, you should be able to guess how she will choose."
Fan Xian furrowed his brows and opened his mouth, "When have you all ever respected her opinion?"
"You're wrong," Lang Tiao very directly rebutted. "It is only that…you have always influenced her opinion."
Fan Xian was angry. He slammed the table and said, "You people are unreasonable."
Lang Tiao gazed and him and didn't say anything. After a long while, he broke the silence and smiled coldly. "What can you give my sister disciple? I won't care about what the empress dowager thinks or what my teacher thinks. If you can marry her, I will stand on your side!"
These words were said so resoundingly and powerfully that one did not dare doubt them.
Fan Xian replied, "I have worked hard for such a situation, naturally, it is so I can marry her in the future."
Lang Tiao gave a not-quite-there smile and said, "How will you marry her? Will you put aside your current wife?"
…
…
This was Wuzhou, Lin Ruofu's old home. Fan Xian was Wuzhou's uncle. It also was Wan'er's hometown. Regardless of whether it was Lin Wan'er or Haitang, neither were people who could be a concubine. On this problem, Fan Xian had not found a solution. A long time ago, he had once ridiculed the Eldest Princess, believing that her vision was limited because she had limitations. Now, he had sadly discovered that he also had limitations.
He was not as good as Ye Qingmei, as good as his mother. He had sat down in this world and temporarily did not have a way to break through the obstacles in it.
Seeing Fan Xian's state of mind, Lang Tiao smiled faintly. "Coming to Wuzhou, it was just etiquette to let you know. After all, in Qing Kingdom, it is just you that we are closest to. It would not be good to hide this from you. Speaking honestly, if we go to Suzhou, Duoduo is certain to go back with us."
Fan Xian was silent as he thought about Duoduo's personality and character. He knew Lang Tiao's words were true. She was too clever, so she was too foolish. She was too kind, so she was too cruel to herself…
"Go to Suzhou."
Fan Xian spoke with a slight smile as if perhaps he had thought something through.
Suddenly it was Lang Tiao who was startled.
Fan Xian warmly said, "I have realized that it is not good to be too selfish in this matter. To have her bear the pressure of a country is also not good…if she wants to go then she can go, it will be like going back to her home."
Lang Tiao sensed a glimmer of uncertainty in his words.
Fan Xian continued to smile and said, "So what if she returns to Northern Qi? You know your sister disciple. How could she marry Wei Hua? It will not be as simple as your empress dowager wants it to be."
Lang Tiao gave a muffled hmm.
Fan Xian closed his eyes slightly. The glimmer of a mocking smile rose to the corners of his mouth, "Even if you asked Imperial Advisor Ku He to come forward to force Haitang to marry…but…"
"But what?"
"But…under heaven, who else dares to marry her?"
Fan Xian stared at Lang Tiao's eyes and said the most arrogant thing in his new life. Mockingly and coldly, he slowly said, "Everyone under heaven knows she is my woman…who dares to offend me to marry her? Does Wei Hua have that daring?"
…
…
A deathlike silence fell over the restaurant. A light breeze picked up outside the building and blew across the sweat on the two bodies. Lang Tian was silent for a moment. He had heard Fan Xian's intention to destroy indiscriminately in his words and couldn't resist smiling. "I really do not understand you. Why must you make this matter so horrifying?"
Fan Xian shook his head and said, "There are many things that you see as very unimportant but are very important to me."
Lang Tian fell into silence again. After some time, he gave a pained smile and said, "Such a stupid joke."
It was indeed a stupid joke. The two people were not talking about something else, it was something relating to her.
Lang Tiao gazed at Fan Xian's calm eyes and lightly smiled. "To talk about such matters in Wuzhou…are you not afraid that Prime Minister Lin will feel uncomfortable in his heart and the Princess will be unhappy?"
This was Fan Xian's Achilles' heel. Earlier, Lang Tiao dared to use words to block him because he was counting on this point. He was sure Fan Xian would not dare say some things boldly and confidently.
Fan Xian was slightly startled. He did not acknowledge him. He only smiled coldly and said, "Today, we have already met. Why are you still not going to Suzhou? Do you need me to accompany you?"
Lang Tiao also did not acknowledge these words. His mind suddenly wandered a little and he asked warmly, "There is something I have to ask…last year, in front of the West Mountain precipice, that black-clothed man, was that you?"
These words had come too suddenly and unexpectedly as to have caught Fan Xian a little off-guard, but his training since his youth was truly very solid. He expression was startled and he asked, "What black-clothed man?"
Fan Xian had already told everything to Haitang concerning West Mountain, Xiao En, and the Temple. He learned from Haitang that Imperial Advisor Ku He had already found the problem, but this was something he would never admit. He would hold out for as long as possible.
Fan Xian trusted Haitang. She would not betray him on these vital matters.
As expected, Lang Tiao did not continue asking. He only said in a quiet voice, "Since it is so, then there is no need to talk about it anymore. I am going to Suzhou, and you are in Wuzhou, hopefully, there will be no problems."
…
…
There was certain to be problems.
Fan Xian was calm and quietly said, "There will be problems. If you dare to not be considerate of her intentions…no matter who, even if your teacher came out, if you force her to marry, trust me…really, please trust me."
The tone was very warm, yet Lang Tiao's heart was slightly chilled. He, as someone who already reached above the ninth-level, had noticed that although Fan Xian's progress was unusual, he was still not as shrewd as himself. Hearing these warm and gentle words, he still couldn't stop a chill going through his heart.
"Trust you in what?"
Fan Xian smiled slightly and said, "If you dare to force my second wife to marry, I will definitely find a way to wipe out Northern Qi."
Lang Tiao was silent. Regardless of whether or not Fan Xian's threat could be realized, given his connection to Northern Qi, if he valiantly joined the Qing Kingdom's Iron Blood Faction, it was still a loss that no one could endure.
"Trust me," So Lang Tiao also warmly said, "I won't let my sister disciple marry someone she doesn't want to marry."
Fan Xian thought for a bit, smiled, and extended his hand to hold Lang Tiao's thick, broad, and powerful hands, "This is a man's promise."
A glimmer of a smile suddenly flashed through Lang Tiao's eyes, "Perhaps it is not only men's."
Fan Xian was slightly surprised but didn't acknowledge it. "To reply to your earlier question…as for Duoduo's matter, I am only respecting my father-in-law's opinion. Whether or not I can marry her, at least…I can't let others marry her."
Who would have thought that this old man, his father-in-law Lin Ruofu, would have set down such a rule for Fan Xian? Perhaps no one had thought of such a thing.
Chapter 410: Father-in-law Laughing Talks About The Junshang Conference
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Lang Tiao was startled. He had thought that by choosing Wuzhou as the place to talk. No matter how shameless and low Fan Xian was, he would still have to be considerate of Lin family's face. Who would have thought that the ex-Prime Minister of the Qing Kingdom would be just as shameless as his son-in-law? Furthermore, his skin was thick to such an extent.
Was there still law in the land? Was there still a natural order?
This is a matter of morality. Lang Tiao stood, speaking to himself in his heart. He did not wish to talk further with Fan Xian, so he raised his hands and bid goodbye.
The restaurant recovered its peace. Fan Xian huffed out a breath and wiped at the sweat on his forehead as he sat down again at the table. He did not feel very nervous. As for the people from Northern Qi, he did not feel they were a very thorny problem. In any case, he understood Haitang. Her temperament was something he couldn't grasp clearly. Even if she temporarily let Suzhou, there would come a day they would see each other again. As they say, although jianghu was far, they would always argue again.
What truly had Fan Xian nervous and uneasy was the contents of Lang Tiao's silent cursing earlier. After all, this was Wuzhou, the hometown of Prime Minister Lin. To discuss the matter of himself and another woman with guests from far away in this provincial city, what would Wan'er think? Where would Prime Minister Lin hang his face? How will he explain it to his family?
He long avoided meeting with Lang Tiao partly because of these considerations. He had come today because Lin Ruofu had an open and frank conversation with him. Only because of this did he have a sufficiently thick skin and shamelessness to come meet Lang Tiao and discuss matters.
The Northern Qi people took the sword that had been turned into scrap metal, boarded their carriage, and headed to the South. As for what would happen in Suzhou, Fan Xian no longer wanted to manage it. He also did not have the power to manage it. It was fine just to wait for the news from Deng Zi Yue and them. He stood at the railing of the restaurant and looked at the people's shadows. Staring at the still fuming lady of the Wei family, he couldn't stop a bitter smile rising to the corners of his lips. He couldn't persuade Haitang, and Lang Tiao could not either. He wasn't sure whether or not Ku He would make an appearance. Duoduo was a noble person who very much liked to control her own life. This was a very special thing about her.
Shortly after, his thoughts returned to the matter in Wuzhou. A glimmer of remorse couldn't help but rise in Fan Xian's heart towards Wan'er. Thinking back and forth, there was no good way to go about it. Only then he began to gradually feel Zhang Wuji's pain yet happiness back in the day. Except, he knew that he was not as hypocritical as him and was much more shameless.
He shook his head and lifted the front of his robe, allowing the wind outside the restaurant to blow into his clothes helping him cool his frame of mind. He then followed the footsteps of the long-departed guests down the stairs.
…
…
Although he had not come to Wuzhou with great fanfare, after living in the Lin family Manor for a few days, news had long traveled out. The Wuzhou Zhizhou already prepared a generous gift to visit while the people in the marketplace also guessed that Fan Xian was vacationing in Wuzhou.
When Fan Xian's carriage passed through the streets, no one came to disturb him and not a simple person exposed it. The people of Wuzhou only looked at the carriage and slightly inclined their bodies in a soundless greeting.
This type of heartfelt respect with a glimmer of distance made Fan Xian happy. It also made clear the position and reputation his father-in-law had in Wuzhou. He had not expected that the respect of the Wuzhou people toward him was not only because of the old Lin Prime Minister but also because of his own reputation. The Wuzhou people were very proud of their uncle.
When the carriage returned to the horrifyingly large Lin manor, Fan Xian quickly walked to the back hall. The first words from the old man playing with an emerald-green snuff were, "Those who wish to do big things must have a thick skin and a black heart."
Fan Xian was silent. He found a chair to sit in and quietly countered, "This has nothing to do with that matter."
The old man playing with the snuff box was the previous Prime Minister Lin Ruofu who had retired. In a year, this once second-to-none figure in Qing Kingdom had already changed into a benevolent elderly man. He hair was gently pulled together, and he wore a comfortable non-lined garment with a pair of half-boots without heels.
However, in Lin Ruofu's deep-set eyes, there was a glimmer of tiredness and boredom. Perhaps having left the fighting and scheming of the court, this kind of quiet cultivation actually caused his spirit to be less than it used to be.
Lin Ruofu heard Fan Xian's unconscious retort and couldn't help but smile slightly while criticizing, "Perhaps you really do think this is a matter between a boy and a girl?"
Fan Xian was silent for a moment then said, "I don't think…there is that much difference in essence."
Lin Ruofu's hand that had been constantly stroking the snuff box stopped. He gazed at him and said, "Is that so? But once this matter develops, it will not be this simple. If that girl did not have the identity of Northern Qi's Sage girl, if she didn't have the connection to the royal family…a matter of sons and daughters? Do you think I would allow you have such thoughts after being married for less than two years? Do you think the Emperor would acquiescence?"
Fan Xian understood this logic. If marrying Haitang did not bring any benefits to him and those around him, no one would stand on his side. Particularly from Lin Ruofu's perspective, there would definitely be no reason for him to help his own son-in-law scheme for another wife.
"Father-in-law…" Fan Xian smiled bitterly and said. "The person telling me to go hard is you. At this time, the person criticizing me is also you. What am I to do?"
Hearing these words, Lin Ruofu couldn't help but smile and said, "The words you said last night matched my thoughts well. I don't care what your relationship is like with that woman, as long as you stand firm in the court, the Lin family will also stand firm."
Fan Xian nodded his head. With Haitang and powerful foreign support, his position in Qing Kingdom would be much more secure. However, in some respects, he was indeed a very cold and emotionless person, but he still retained some of his opinions from his previous life. Unconsciously, he did not wish to have his private life connected to politics.
Furthermore, Haitang might not be willing to marry him.
Seeming to guess what Fan Xian was thinking, Lin Ruofu smiled slightly and said, "In reality, you and I both understand the development of this matter. It doesn't matter whether or not she marries into the Fan family…it's fine as long as she doesn't marry someone else."
Fan Xian once again nodded his head, admitting that the old fox's thoughts aligned with his.
"I'll go see Wan'er and Da Bao." He stood and respectfully bowed toward his father-in-law.
Lin Ruofu thought for a moment then warmly said, "You don't have to worry about Wan'er. Although she did not grow up beside me, she is someone who grew up in the palace. She will understand the reasoning within."
Fan Xian smiled bitterly and did not say anything, thinking, his father-in-law was certainly very open. However, his thoughts turned and he remembered that hadn't Lin Ruofu's career only taken off after he had a daughter with the Eldest Princess? Thinking of this, he pretty much understood.
He thought for a bit then said persistently, "I am only going to see Wan'er."
"It is her and Da Bao's first trip back to Wuzhou. The relatives are probably treating them like gods. At this time, they should be playing at Yi Dongtian." Lin Ruofu gazed at his son-in-law with a not-quite-there smile. "If there is anything that needs to be said in your room, wait for nighttime."
Fan Xian angrily scratched his head.
"Do you know why I agreed to marry Wan'er to you?"
Although Fan Xian had guessed a little, he continued to shake that slightly pounding head.
Lin Ruofu slowly put the snuff box down on the table and said, "Originally, the Emperor had intentions of granting Wan'er to you. This was during the second year of the Qing calendar. At the time, Chen Pingping was against it, vehemently against it, so I found the trickery within the matter."
Fan Xian wondered how Chen Pingping's opposition related to his opposition?
Lin Ruofu answered his question. "Of all the officials in the court, I only feared three people."
"Which three?"
"Your father was one, the old cripple Chen was the second, and that old man of the Qin family."
Fan Xian thought about it carefully. Chen Pingping controlled the Overwatch Council. Other than the Prime Minister, he held the most power of all the officials in the court. The shadowy power he held was very great, so he was someone Lin Ruofu should have feared back in the day. Although the old man of the Qin family was elderly and rarely attended court, as the head of the Bureau of Military Affairs, he was the top figure in the army and a super official. His disciples were spread out among the army, so he would also receive Lin Ruofu's close attention.
However, that old man of his own family…at that time, he was only the vice minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Why would Lin Ruofu take him so seriously?
Lin Ruofu did not answer the question in his eyes and continued in a light voice, "And among the three of them, I was most admiring of Chen Pingping's insight. When he strongly opposed your marriage to Wan'er…while this thing, at the time, did not have any obvious negatives, yet the other party was so…so I knew he must have some secret information that I did not know of…so…"
The old man smiled slightly and said, "I also opposed it."
Knowing that Wan'er and his uncle were out playing, Fan Xian understood that the matter of talking to Wan'er would have to wait until the night. Hearing his father-in-law's tone, he knew he was getting ready to discuss state affairs. He sat down comfortably to listen closely. Listening to this point, he couldn't help but ask, "Why did you agree later?"
"I've told you before…perhaps you have already forgotten." A glimmer of sadness appeared in Lin Ruofu's smile. "Gong'er passed. At my knee, there were only Da Bao and Wan'er. The Emperor had revealed his intention to have my leave my post…I had been in the court for many years. My title of the evil Prime Minister was not for no reason. I had offended countless people. However, because of my protection, the people in my clan had obtained many benefits in this world…after I went, who would protect them? Who would protect my Dao Bao?"
Lin Ruofu stared into his eyes and said, "The day you gifted me the snuff box, I determined you were able to do all this. So, I agreed to the matter."
That delicately made snuff box made by his grandmother was right now quietly sitting beside Lin Ruofu on the wooden table.
Fan Xian was silent for a moment, He then very calmly and sincerely said, "Rest assured, as long as I am alive, I will not let Wan'er feel wronged or allow Da Bao to live unhappily."
Lin Ruofu nodded his head with approval. He then sighed and said, "Later, your identity came out…only then did I know you were lady Ye's son, then what was there for me to worry about?"
This was slowly turning the direction of the conversation in the direction Fan Xian needed, to the direction that could not be publicly declared or asked after.
"In court, among the civil officials…I don't have any capable people, other than Ren Shao'an," Fan Xian smiled bitterly and said. "On the surface, it looks like I can utterly defeat the Second Prince. But, if there is a day in the future when there is a discussion in court, I have no one to speak for me."
Lin Ruofu clearly knew what he meant but did not point it out. On the contrary, he smiled and said, "Lao Shu and Xiao Hu, the two most powerful scholars in the Hall of Governmental Affairs both like you very much…are you not content?"
Fan Xian shook his head and said, "Liking cannot be used as food. When the time comes to take a stand, who can trust each other?"
Lin Ruofu stared at Fan Xian's eyes and asked, "You need someone you can trust?"
Fan Xian did not deny this point. He chuckled like a greedy little bird drooling with their mouth open waiting to be fed by their elders.
Looking at this expression, Lin Ruofu couldn't resist laughing out loud. However, he immediately restrained his laughter and calmly said, "I won't give it to you."
…
…
This answer surprised Fan Xian greatly, however, he understood. Since Lin Ruofu had put his entire clan on his wagon, he had to give him a hand. He would not allow the horse to run but not allow the horse to eat. Naturally, he must have his reasons for today's answer.
As expected, Lin Ruofu warmly said, "Are you confused? Ever since I left Jingdou, the civil officials in the court have become a mess. There are those who have thrown in their lot with the Second Prince and Yunrui, and those who threw in their lot with the Eastern Palace. There is also a big group standing well-behaved with the palace secretary."
Fan Xian furrowed his brows slightly. He had discovered this phenomenon long ago. The strange thing was that…
"The strange thing is, why has no one actively thrown in their lot with you?" Lin Ruofu looked at him with almost a smile. "Right now, you already have a reputation among the scholars under heaven. Adding to Zhuang Mohan's gift, although you are a little young, it is not impossible for you to publicly open your doors and become a leader of the scholars…why? Why is it only Shao'an, a colleague of from the Honglu Temple back in the day, who rushed to show their stance, while none of the other civil officials threw their loyalties to you? In this year, not a single civil official approached your door. Up until now, other than your four students in various provinces passing their days, you have not expanded your power at all."
This was exactly Fan Xian's biggest confusion and biggest headache. At first, he had thought it was the Emperor's way of checks and balances, but later he found that the Emperor's priority in watching him was still concerning the military side. He didn't particularly care about him associating with civil officials, so he did not understand. It was like there was a hand in the darkness preventing his progress in that area.
He suddenly raised his head and stared at his father-in-law, "Why?"
Fan Xian knew that it was like this because his father-in-law far away in Wuzhou was using the remnants of his influence to not allow his disciples to get too close to him.
"When the wood becomes a forest, it will certainly be destroyed by the wind," Lin Ruofu, who quite liked his son-in-law's cleverness, warmly said. "Furthermore, you have already grown too mighty, even more so than that proper prince. You're right, I was the person who arranged this. Those people that you think can be used, I will temporarily not allow you to use them to prevent attracting discussion from the Palace…as for when I will give them to you…"
The old man sighed, "Back then, I had stood too tall and was forced to retreat. How could I allow Wan'er's husband to retrace my path?"
"When the Emperor takes the throne, I will give those people to you."
Lin Ruofu said this at the end.
Fan Xian was silent but had sensed an inauspicious sigh. To only give him people after a new Emperor had taken the throne…in other words, Lin Ruofu would not brave the dangerous when faced with the current unfathomable Emperor.
Lin Ruofu's shadowy influence on the court still existed, so he had to avoid suspicion. He had to make the Emperor believe that he was truly retiring in Wuzhou.
In this problematic, difficult, and vicious cycle, the biggest loss was that Fan Xian was not able to obtain the aide.
"I'm afraid it's too late." Since the two sides were already speaking openly, Fan Xian did not avoid anything. "The Crown Prince and the Second Prince's power are almost all in the court. If one of them inherits in the future…I think, I will not have pleasant days."
Lin Ruofu said, "You…should speak more straightforwardly."
"Fine." Fan Xian spoke straightforwardly. "I will not allow either the Crown Prince or the Second Prince to sit on that chair."
Lin Ruofu smiled and said, "And so this is your problem…without that help, the Crown Prince and the Second Prince are already not a match for you. Why bother to worry about this? You've done well in the last year, but your biggest problem is that…you are fighting against the wrong side."
Fan Xian was startled.
Perhaps Lin Ruofu had thought of something from many years ago. His gaze grew more and more distanced. He slowly said, "Under the current circumstances, you only have one enemy…that is Yunrui."
…
…
Fan Xian was startled. Shortly after, some disagreement rose in his heart. He had seen the Eldest Princess' methods. She schemed with as much meticulous care and flawless artistry as she did her embroidery. It was a pity that when faced with himself, the commissioner of the Overwatch Council, along with the help of Chen Pingping and Yan Bingyun—one old, one young—the weapon the Eldest Princess excelled the most at did not have any effect on him.
As for power, Xinyang had once sent assassins to Cang Mountain to assassinate Fan Xian. It had resulted in abject failure.
No matter what Fan Xian thought about it, he did not think the Eldest Princess was very scary. Perhaps the rumors had overstated the facts. Faced with Lin Ruofu's serious expression, he couldn't help but shake his head.
Lin Ruofu said, "Did you forget the Junshang Conference?"
"Junshang Conference?" Fan Xian slowly lowered his head. "There is only one Ye Liuyun. He can't make any changes to the big picture."
"There is only one Ye Liuyun." Lin Ruofu looked Fan Xian with a strange gaze. "There is also only one Sigu Jian. There is also only one Yan Xiaoyi. There is also only one…me."
"But the Junshang Conference, they may be countless."
Fan Xian understood what this meant. He looked at his father-in-law in complete shock. With slightly dry lips he asked, "You…are also part of the Junshang Conference? And Sigu Jian?"
"What is the Junshang Conference?" Lin Ruofu asked with a slight smile. "Perhaps no one can explain it clearly. Even Yunrui herself cannot state it clearly…what I can understand is that the Junshang Conference is a very loosely structured organization. It could be a small tea-tasting group or it could be the hand behind the scenes to the slaughter of tens of thousands of lives and the destruction of countries and redrawing of territorial lines."
Fan Xian's questions were stopped by Lin Ruofu's waving hand.
"The Junshang Conference is just a way for those who stand slightly higher in the world to communicate with each other." The last Prime Minister of the Qing court slowly narrated this secret. "We are not the rulers of a country. It just happens that we hold great influence or actual power in our hands. There are many things that we cannot conveniently do, so we will go through the Junshang Conference, this channel, to ask friends for help. When friends are in trouble, we will also help."
"It's very fair, is it not?"
"The Junshang Conference is nothing more than a fellowship of friends."
"The Junshang Conference does not have a rigid and perfect organization structure. There are also no set goals or desires that all wish to achieve."
Lin Ruofu finally summarized, "And so, just speaking in terms of pure killing intention, the Junshang Conference, because of its loose structure, is actually not very powerful. At least…it cannot compare to the Overwatch Council under that old cripple.
Fan Xian was a little confused. Since it was so, why was his father-in-law still warning him about the Eldest Princess' Junshang Conference?
Lin Ruofu smiled slightly and said, "Chen Pingping is pressuring Yunrui. You seemed to be doing the same…did I guess right?"
Fan Xian couldn't help but admire the other person's political sense and nodded.
"But, you and the old cripple seem to have both made a mistake," Lin Ruofu said lightly. "You both think that if you can force the Eldest Princess along with the Second Prince and the Crown Prince to jump up, to force them into opposition against the Emperor, you will be able to easily obtain victory over the entire campaign."
"Is that not so?" Fan Xian furrowed his brows. Qing Kingdom was the most powerful under heaven. Although the Qing Emperor had been silent for over 10 years, history had proven that the Qing Emperor's methods were not something everyone could stand against.
"Because you have both underestimated Yunrui, underestimated the Junshang Conference…if this situation is allowed to continue to develop, if she truly goes crazy…who knows what the consequences will be?"
Lin Ruofu smiled merrily and discussed the woman who had been involved with him for many years and had given him a lovely daughter…Her Highness, the Eldest Princess.
"Isn't the Junshang Conference very loosely organized? How could it be on par with the powerful strength of a country?"
"The Junshang Conference is like a ball bouncing around the room. Once someone presses it down, its rebound power is concentrated." A glimmer of worry appeared on Lin Ruofu's face. "Particularly in this year, Yunrui seemed to have been pushed into a corner with no way to retreat by you and the old cripple's clever traps…if at this time, the Junshang Conference suddenly found an unusually strong opponent, the looseness would become tight and the hidden powerful could be demonstrated.
"This is the same as people…when you find the goal you have desired for so long, any danger is worth facing to achieve it."
Hearing these words, a chill rose in Fan Xian's heart. Although this scene was one he had worked toward and hoped for, he was still scared by his father-in-law's words.
If, other than Ye Liuyun, the Junshang Conference had connections with Dongyi and had many other avenues of support, then their power had long surpassed the restrictions of national borders. Rising above the world, the right change could send the loosely organized fellowship into a bucket of dynamite…
Under heaven, of course, only the Qing Emperor had this right.
…
…
"Will Sigu Jian also make a move?" Fan Xian couldn't help but shake his head.
Lin Ruofu gazed at him and smiled. "If Yunrui does not go crazy, she will not make such arrangements. If she is forced into a corner by you and the Emperor…who could say? The safety of the Emperor involves the bigger picture. If he died, too many people would benefit greatly from it."
The previous Prime Minister said with a serious expression, "Other than you and I, the people and officials of the Qing Kingdom."
If the Qing Emperor died, Northern Qi would be the happiest and Dongyi would also celebrate, but Qing Kingdom would probably immediately face an endless crisis.
In the end, Lin Ruofu said, "For this great goal, Qing Kingdom's enemies would all band together. Earlier you said Sigu Jian, why didn't you speak of Ku He?"
Fan Xian's mouth was a bit bitter. He didn't want to continue this topic.
Lin Ruofu smiled coldly. "The Junshang Conference? Those who are not of the Junshang Conference…as long as they are willing, can join at any time. Mediating between two parties is actually what Yunrui is most talented at."
Fan Xian knew this. The Eldest Princess had a great private relationship with the empress dowager of the Northern Qi and had worked hand in glove with Dongyi. He couldn't resist smiling bitterly and said, "Everyone is from all different parts of the country, for a shared goal…hmm?"
He suddenly furrowed his brows and said, "What we can guess, the Emperor can certainly think of. Why hasn't he taken the initiative to strike first?"
The room was silent for a while before Lin Ruofu opened his mouth and warmly said, "Earlier we talked about Yunrui. Although she is crazy, I have known her for 20 years, so I can guess what she will do."
"But the Emperor…" Lin Ruofu couldn't help but show a glimmer of admiration. "Although he has once betrayed me, I have to say that no one knows what he is thinking in his heart, perhaps…he is waiting for that day."
Perhaps, he is arrogant to the point of being brainless. Fan Xian thought for no reason.
"Then what should I do?"
Lin Ruofu said in a quiet voice, "Weren't you originally going to be a spectator? However, if matters reach a certain level, regardless of whether you want to or not, you'll still have to go on stage and play your part. Right now, no matter where you start from, you have to stand firmly on the side of the Emperor."
Fan Xian thought in his heart that this was nonsense. Even if he wanted to stand on the side of his mother-in-law, after being scared by his father-in-law, he did not have the boldness to play with a lunatic.
Chapter 411: Leaving The Mountain
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
While he was in Suzhou, Fan Xian had been anticipating the Wuzhou trip because he knew that the old Prime Minister in front of him had only become silent this year. It was as if he had disappeared from the world in order to prevent the Emperor from being on guard against him.
Of course, truth becomes fiction when fiction becomes truth. After acting in this way for too long, the feeling would often sink into the bones. Fan Xian admired his father-in-law's spirit of daring to lose and win.
The court was not somewhere to stay long, so he left lightly. There was no need to finely negotiate any details. In any case, he had left Fan Xian this tail in the capital. Giving the Emperor sufficient face, the court would give the honorably retired ex-Prime Minister some face too.
This kind of political intelligence made Fan Xian trusting of his father-in-law's judgement. After hearing these words today, although he felt a chill and a faint excitement, he was sunk deep in thought preparing for the waves about to arrive. They would be difficult to calm. Although his was one of the hands stirring it up, it seemed Fan Xian had underestimated the influence of this matter.
He understood the Eldest Princess' thoughts but was unable to capture the Emperor's thoughts. However, Fan Xian did have his own advantages. For him, the people who knew most of the secrets in this world were that old cripple, his father, and his father-in-law.
These three people were, in the five years after the new policies, the Qing Emperor's most capable three subordinates. They were three intelligent and capable officials of the Qing court. Fan Xian remembered clearly that before he arrived in Jingdou from Danzhou, his father and Chen Pingping were practically strangers who had essentially never talked. Prime Minister Lin and Chen Pingping were each other's strongest oppositions in the court.
Accurately speaking, it was impossible for these three people to tell each other information.
Following Fan Xian's entry into the capital and his marriage to Wan'er, all this had become a stance buried under old paper. At that time, other than the Emperor, there now was Fan Xian who could also gather together the resources from the three elders and enjoy information from three sides. He was a fortunate man.
For Fan Xian, the present him could see even more clearly than these three elders. However, this kind of luck, or perhaps power, seemingly could not be given to an official. No matter what, one of the three had to back down.
Prime Minister Lin Ruofu, because he was not the Emperor's childhood friend, had become the first sacrifice.
Sometimes when Fan Xian searched his heart, he found that this emergence from obscurity into a governmental position had indeed, for the Lin family, brought great harm. The Emperor would not stop at that. At the end of spring, there was the matter of investigating the Ministry of Revenue during a court conference in Jingdou.
Fan Xian woke from his thoughts and couldn't help but shake his head. The court clearly still had many problems within it, yet the Emperor was rushing to kill his dogs…but the prey had not yet been killed…what was happening? Just where did the Emperor's confidence come from?
"I won't ask about the Jiangnan matter," Lin Ruofu broke his line of thought and slowly said. "I trust in your abilities. Although it appears that on this trip to Jiangnan you have overdone things, however, I trust you have an escape plan. However, it is best to make some preparations for when you return to the capital to report on your post, particularly since we don't know when those people will make a move."
Fan Xian thought for a bit and couldn't resist smiling. "Relax, nothing will happen."
Lin Ruofu also couldn't resist smiling. He looked with approval at the son-in-law in front of him. Looking at the steadiness and confidence on the young man's face, he asked, "The Emperor's confidence comes from historical proof…but you, this baseless confidence, where is it from?"
Fan Xian thought for a bit then replied with a smile, "I believe that my luck is the best in this world."
Lin Ruofu was speechless and shook his head helplessly. A moment later, he said evenly, "What do you think of Yuan Hongdao?"
Fan Xian was slightly startled. He knew of Yuan Hongdao. He was once an important guest of the Prime Minister's manor and was also a longtime good friend of Lin Ruofu. However, it seemed that after the Prime Minister stepped down, he had played various dishonorable roles. He had shadily become Xinyang's top strategist. Without question, his honor had come from selling out friends.
Fan Xian did not understand why his father-in-law would suddenly bring him up. He furrowed his brows remembering that his father-in-law had not thought to kill this person for revenge at the time and felt it was strange.
"Yuan Hongdao is a very powerful person as well as a very free person," Lin Ruofu smiled slightly and said. "I still do not understand why he would betray me."
"Is he not on the Eldest Princess' side?"
"Does…Yunrui have this ability?" Lin Ruofu sighed. "I am not sure. A year has already passed by. My hatred toward Hongdao has also gradually lessened, so I cannot understand the truth behind this matter at the time."
"Ask him for me," Lin Ruofu wore the glimmer of a cold smile, "…why."
Fan Xian nodded sincerely, thinking that meeting will either be with a sword or a bow.
Lin Ruofu watched his expression and shook his head. "If the capital really does become a mess later, perhaps he can help you."
Fan Xian was startled. He didn't understand what this meant.
Lin Ruofu sank into thought, also thinking about this problem.
Perhaps that old cripple in the garden outside of Jingdou was busy being pleased with himself.
…
…
Fan Xian and his group stayed in Wuzhou for a number of days. When he had the time, he would be in the study asking advice from his father-in-law. He wanted to learn more about what happened in the past and some political tricks. Although he was a person of two worlds and had heaven-given talent as well as a wealth of life experience, in these matters, there was an evil Prime Minister of the ages in front of him, so he could not pass up this opportunity.
When he had gone on a diplomatic mission to Northern Qi, Fan Xian had once learned from Sir Xiao En in the carriage. This was Fan Xian's biggest advantage. He could ensure his mediation at the second hour in the morning and would seize every chance to learn skills to protect his life. This kind of perseverance and determination was at odds with the laziness he showed.
In the conversations over these days, Fan Xian focused on studying the important parts of the court, particularly the military branch that was the most unfamiliar to him and contributions the Qin and Ye families had made since the beginning of the country. He had greatly increased his perceptual awareness. Fan Xian found it stranger and stranger how a generationally loyal family like the Ye family could be involved with the Eldest Princess' side.
This question could only be buried in the depths of his heart.
Concerning the Jiangnan matter, although Lin Ruofu did not want to be involved, in the end, he still wrote a letter to Governor Xue Qing. As for the contents of the letter, Fan Xian couldn't be bothered to care. Whether or not the governor would give the previous Prime Minister this face was another matter. Most importantly, his father-in-law analyzed Xue Qing's personality for him.
Xue Qing was an official close to the Emperor. He was fond of achievements, and his thoughts were meticulous. If a large meritorious deed was given to him, he would secretly cooperate.
The palace treasury smuggling was still ongoing. The investigation and seizing on the seas was still happening, and the exploitation and weakening of the Ming family had not stopped for a single day. According to the messages coming from Suzhou, Ming Qingda played both the snake and the mouse. Yet, he wasn't able to truly maintain contact with Taiping money house. Without another choice, he increased the amount of money he was moving through Zhaoshang money house.
Fan Xian thought, Very good. As long as it passed that critical point, that was when the Ming family would be destroyed.
…
…
Outside Wuzhou, there were plenty of green mountains that hid much of the extreme heat from the South. Adding to the gentle mountain breeze blowing away the heat, it was the best place to go to avoid the heat of summer.
Fan Xian and his group also lived comfortably in Wuzhou. Once he was far away from matters of politics, he would go with Wan'er and Dao Bao to wander around the surrounding mountains, hunt animals, seek out little streams, roast frogs, and tell Wan'er the story of the orphaned melon seed.
There were times they would spend the night in the mountains. The stars would dot the sky. Nothing more beautiful could be imagined. They watched the magpie bridge gradually come closer and the Milky Way go with the wind. Fan Xian held his wife in his arms, quietly teasing and making a clamor. Looking at the star-filled night sky, he did not know whether the world was going to come together or split, he only knew that the time for the Cowherd and the Weaver girl to meet had almost come.
Leaving behind the worldly irritation was a great joy.
With great mutual understanding, he and his wife did not discuss Suzhou, Jingdou, or matters from anywhere else. They didn't talk about Haitang, the Eldest Princess, or the Emperor. Only occasionally they talked about her sister Ruoruo who was currently cultivating in Northern Qi, the wild game made by the Teng family in the Fan clan manor outside of Jingdou, the extremely delicious chicken legs that Dezhou exported…
All the way west, the two pointed at mountains and asked about mountains, went into the water when they saw water, pitied the little deer they met, were fierce to the lone wolves they met. They walked alongside the creek beside the woods, flowing by the precipice and into the clouds. This was a rare interaction after their marriage. It was as if nothing existed besides them: there was only Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er.
Wrong, there was still Da Bao.
However, what was loveable about Da Bao was that he was often silent.
These days could not last forever. If Fan Xian wanted to save days like this, he had to leave the mountain once more and enter the world of human affairs.
…
…
"Da Bao is coming with us?" Fan Xian's eyes were wide open. "Were we not meant to bring him to father-in-law and have him keep him company?"
Lin Ruofu lived alone in Wuzhou. Although there were countless people in their family, there were very few who were truly close to him at his side. Wan'er had to follow Fan Xian. If Da Bao also went with them, who would keep the old Prime Minister company?
Without his child, with essentially no children at his knee, Fan Xian could sympathize with this kind of loneliness.
"Father insisted," Wan'er spoke quietly. After Fan Xian's careful care these days, in addition to the traveling in the mountains, Wan'er's body had indeed recovered greatly. A healthy flush shone through on her smooth cheeks, and the eyelashes on her big eyes blinked at him.
Fan Xian gazed at her with a smile and gently held her hand. "Both is fine."
Days later, that group of black carriages left Wuzhou and slowly drove toward the east. Along the way, they passed numerous little cities and big mountains until they arrived at a crossroad.
This was already within the territory of the Dongshan Road. This crossroad led to two of the provincial cities under the governance of the Dongshan Road.
To the east was Danzhou, toward the north was Jiaozhou.
"Go to Danzhou and wait for me. I have to handle some matters in Jiaozhou," Fan Xian stood on the carriage and spoke evenly to Wan'er in the carriage. "At most I'll be 10 days behind you."
Of course, Wan'er knew what he had to do in Jiaozhou and sighed in her heart. She knew Fan Xian could not refuse the Emperor's command. She could only push a warm smile on her face that would reassure them both. She stuck out her tongue and said, "Don't you think about going to pick flowers and trample the grass."
Fan Xian smiled embarrassedly and bowed. "Rest assured, wife, I will not go pick flowers on the side again."
Beside Wan'er, Da Bao had been sitting with a wooded expression. Hearing these words, he suddenly interjected, "There are…flowers in the garden."
Fan Xian felt a slight anger. Wan'er felt a slight regret. Da Bao had no idea what had happened. At this, the three said their farewells.
…
…
Not quite three li after heading north from the crossroads, Fan Xian burrowed out of the carriage and stretched. To the subordinate beside him, he asked, "Everything ready?"
"Everything is ready, commissioner."
Beside the mountain woods in the distance, a platoon of grave black riders with a chilling murderous aura could faintly be seen waiting.