Chi Ying thought things had been peaceful in the capital, leaving little for Xie Yong to do. But soon, trouble found its way to them.
Entering the twelfth lunar month, preparations for the New Year began. While ordinary families reviewed their annual finances, the government was doing the same. After summarizing the year's revenues and expenditures, the Ministry of Revenue proposed next year's budget plan. It received broad approval from the Secretariat and the Chancellery, but Crown Prince Cui Jie intervened before it could be submitted to Emperor Jianyuan.
Cui Jie argued that maintaining a large military drained resources and destabilized the nation. He proposed cutting next year's military budget and demobilizing twenty percent of the garrison forces, sending them back to farming to bolster the treasury.
When the Deputy Minister of Revenue asked what would happen if war with the Northern Di tribes broke out next year, Cui Jie stunned everyone: "I've discussed this with His Majesty. We won't initiate any military actions against the Northern Di for the next five to ten years. Our goal is to seek peace to prevent famine in southern provinces."
Historically, dynasties fell when people suffered. After establishing a new dynasty, emperors prioritized stabilizing the populace and fostering recovery. This was the case for the Great Chu as well. As the crown prince, Cui Jie's decision reflected long-term strategic thinking.
However, for Cui Yi, this news hit like a thunderbolt.
How could he feed tens of thousands of soldiers with reduced funds? Wasn't this deliberately undermining him? He had already relinquished his claim to the throne, yet Cui Jie still sought to strip him of his command. It was utterly unreasonable!
Upon hearing the news, Cui Yi nearly stormed into the palace with his halberd, demanding answers. Only after Cao Qian pleaded and knelt before him did he calm down, delegating the task of cooling him off to Chi Ying.
Chi Ying was chatting with Concubine Cheng when she heard Cui Yi had returned in a rage. To avoid collateral damage, she sent Cheng away and instructed Xiaoqiu to notify Bai Lichan. Given his intelligence, Bai Lichan would know when to intervene.
She also considered Xie Yong, remembering her promise to find him a role. However, she knew little about him and was unsure of Cui Yi's mood. She decided to involve him cautiously.
"...Ask Master Xie to join Master Bai. Don't let him rush in."
Just as Xiaoqiu left, Cui Yi stormed into the courtyard. Chi Ying greeted him warmly, wrapping herself in a fur coat: "What's bothering Your Highness today?"
Cui Yi brushed her aside: "I'm not cold. Keep it for yourself." His face darkened, and he stomped into the house, smashing a vase onto the floor.
The sound startled Chi Ying, and she rushed inside, asking Cao Qian: "What's wrong with His Highness?"
Cao Qian explained the rumor about the budget cuts. Chi Ying nodded thoughtfully: "His Highness is impulsive. Luckily, you stopped him. I'll talk to him. It's cold; stay and have some tea until dinner."
Cao Qian, unmarried and living alone, agreed.
Xiaoqiu returned from the side yard, helping Chi Ying into the house. Seeing the shattered pieces, she remarked: "Don't break things when angry. What if you scare the baby?"
"Xiaoqiu!" Chi Ying quickly silenced her, fearing she'd provoke Cui Yi further.
But Cui Yi, though furious, retained his composure. Hearing Xiaoqiu's words, he calmed down, waving dismissively: "Clean this up. Everyone else, leave."
Once the servants cleared the mess, Cui Yi sat fuming on the couch, looking murderous.
Chi Ying chuckled: "Don't take your anger out on our belongings. That's not cost-effective."
Cui Yi shot her a glare: "Come here."
Chi Ying sat beside him. Cui Yi grasped her hand, frowning: "Why are your hands so cold?"
"It's Your Highness's hands that are warm," Chi Ying replied, holding his hand. "Does martial prowess make one immune to cold?"
Cui Yi rubbed her palm, gradually calming down: "The crown prince plans to cut military funding next year."
Chi Ying looked surprised: "Oh? How exactly?"
Cui Yi briefly explained, venting angrily: "I've avoided conflicts with him, giving up everything, even the throne. Yet, he still wants to strip me of my command. Does he want me gone from the capital entirely?"
Outside, Bai Lichan arrived, pulling Xie Yong back. "Not now. Wait for the right moment."
Inside, Chi Ying tried to soothe Cui Yi: "Don't be upset. Anger won't solve anything. The emperor approved the crown prince's plan. Why do you think that is?"
Cui Yi was too frustrated to think: "Isn't it obvious? He's the crown prince, future emperor. The emperor listens to him. Us lesser sons can go freeze somewhere."
Chi Ying shook her head: "It's not that simple. The crown prince presents his plans attractively, concealing his true intentions. Like hiding a dagger in a fish, presenting the fish pleases the emperor, who accepts it. Whether the dagger stabs anyone, the emperor may know or may choose to ignore."
Cui Yi looked puzzled: "What fish? Daggers? You're talking in circles. Get to the point."
Chi Ying smiled: "Let's ask Master Bai and Master Xie for advice."
"Why bring in that useless kid?" Cui Yi dismissed Xie Yong.
Chi Ying explained: "More minds mean more ideas. Should we include General Cao? It's cold, and I've prepared mutton soup. He's staying for dinner."
Cui Yi grunted assent and ordered a servant: "Fetch Bai Lichan and Xie Yong from the side yard."
The servant relayed the message. Bai Lichan acknowledged but didn't move immediately. Xie Yong asked: "You said it wasn't the right time. Now His Highness calls us. Is it still not the right time?"
Bai Lichan gave a knowing look: "Patience. You'll see."
Xie Yong followed reluctantly, worried about provoking Cui Yi.
Moments later, Xiaoqiu ran out, whispering: "The crown prince plans to cut military spending. His Highness is furious. Lady Chi asks you to think of solutions."
"Thank you," Bai Lichan bowed. Xiaoqiu returned to the kitchen.
Xie Yong was stunned: "Does Lady Chi often send messages like this to Master Bai?"
Bai Lichan laughed: "Rarely. His Highness only summoned me once. If we went in unaware, saying something wrong could provoke him. Lady Chi knows His Highness's temper and avoids such situations."
Xie Yong nodded, eyes reflecting complex emotions. Bai Lichan didn't notice and said: "Let's go."
They entered the main hall. Cui Yi sat sternly on the couch, while Chi Ying sewed quietly, nodding at them.
Cui Yi stated: "Today, I learned something upsetting. I need your advice on how to handle it."
Bai Lichan nodded affirmatively. Xie Yong blurted: "Are you concerned about the military budget cuts?"
All three faces changed. Chi Ying almost pricked her finger, checking Cui Yi's reaction. Cui Yi frowned sharply: "Who told you?"
Startled, Xie Yong froze.
A jump, at a loss for words, stammered: "I, I..."
"Your Highness, it's like this," Baili Zan quickly regained his composure, clasped his hands in a salute, diverting Ji Yu's attention. "Just now, we heard from the maid that we discussed a few things on our way here. The matter of military funds is merely my conjecture."
Ji Yu's expression was grim: "Conjecture?" His tone was filled with distrust.
Chi Ying also began to worry; she hadn't expected Xie Yong's words to be so thoughtless. She had sent Xiao Qiu out to remind them, hoping they would be mentally prepared, not to perform mind-reading in front of Ji Yu! Just as she hesitated whether to admit her mistake, Baili Zan shot her a look, signaling her to stay calm.
Baili Zan smiled confidently: "Yes, a few months ago, Your Highness visited Minister Cheng's residence. He mentioned that the Emperor had rejected your request for troops, and at that time, I had a vague feeling that the Ministry of Revenue's next year's national treasury expenditure plan would definitely cut military spending. As the end of the year approaches, it is precisely the time when the Ministry of Revenue discusses this matter with the Secretariat and the Chancellery. Given Your Highness's recent good mood, the only thing that could make you furious would likely be the Emperor's decision to reduce troops and cut military funding."
Fortunately! Chi Ying silently patted her chest in relief. Fortunately, Baili Zan reacted quickly; otherwise, she would have been severely harmed by Xie Yong's straightforwardness.
"So that's how it is," after listening to Baili Zan's explanation, Ji Yu's expression softened, and he let out a sigh of relief. "You do understand me well. Xie Yong."
The latter part of the sentence shifted focus, and Xie Yong straightened up immediately: "Yes."
Ji Yu looked at him as if he were a beggar on the street: "Instead of borrowing flowers to offer Buddha, it's better to prepare thoroughly first."
Xie Yong broke out in a cold sweat, shrugging his shoulders and replying softly: "Yes..."
Baili Zan successfully defused the crisis and, taking advantage of Ji Yu's distraction, gave Xie Yong a reassuring glance, indicating that since the Prince now believed him, there was no need to be nervous anymore. However, in Xie Yong's eyes, this glance seemed more like a sign of arrogance. It felt as if Baili Zan was mocking him: "Trying to seize the initiative? Don't even consider if you have the ability. You mess up and expect me to clean up after you. Truly incompetent."
He could have smoothed things over himself, but Baili Zan stole his thunder. A good opportunity to impress was taken away, and he ended up being scolded. Xie Yong's heart was clouded with resentment, and his gaze towards Baili Zan became tinged with jealousy.