Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio 

  The Qing Kingdom governed the world through the virtue of filial piety. When the heroic and martial Emperor took out that much silver from the national treasury to build a tomb for the empress dowager, the Scholars Shu and Hu only expressed superficial worry. Fan Xian did not bother to concern himself about it at all. 

  Sun Jingxiu was celebrating his mother’s birthday on her behalf. Thus, it was much more important than his own. It was only with this excuse that he invited Fan Xian. When Sir Fan junior actually walked through the front doors of the manor with Princess Chen, it was still difficult for Sun Jingxiu to suppress his excitement. 

  He had been tossed about by the wind and rain these few months. It seemed that in an instant, all of the officials and yamens had their eyes on him, making him feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Thinking back and forth, he finally landed on Fan Xian. However, the Sun manor did not actually have much of a connection to the Fan family, so he didn’t know if it would work. 

  It worked. Although there was a bitter taste in Sun Jingxiu’s mouth, and he felt a bit gloomy and remorseful toward his daughter, he still bowed respectfully after seeing Fan Xian’s handsome appearance and welcomed the well-matched pair into the manor. 

  Everything was already arranged. The female guests were in the back garden. The main officials of the Jingdou government were sitting in the front of the manor. However, the three halls that had been left for the officials of the court were all empty and particularly unsightly. 

  Fan Xian followed Sun Jingxiu inside. Looking at the completely empty long tables, he couldn’t resist smiling. Lin Wan’er said something quietly by his ear and went toward the back garden accompanied by the nannies and served by the female servants of the Sun manor. 

  Turning toward the west wing, Fan Xian followed Sun Jingxiu into the study. He knew King Jing and Duke Liu had already arrived. The two elderly noblemen were chatting leisurely with Sir Sun’s mother. At such an age, there was little to be particular about. 

  It was quiet inside the study. Fan Xian looked at Sun Jingxiu and said with a smile, “Sir Sun, you are really not a clever man.” 

  It wasn’t time for the banquet to start yet. Sun Jingxiu was worried about neglecting Sir Fan junior, so he personally accompanied him into the study. At this time, the servants hadn’t brought the tea yet. Sun Jingxiu couldn’t help being startled and muttered for a moment, unsure what to say. 

  “I am a bit curious,” Fan Xian said in an even voice as he looked at him. “In the past, you never did these things to guess the Emperor’s thoughts. Why are you doing the opposite this year and using my reputation to scout out the situation of the officialdom? You are not one to lust after money and status. I am truly very surprised.” 

  Sun Jingxiu was silent for a moment and then bowed sincerely. “I believe I have been quite particular in being the Jingdou magistrate. I ask you to pity me.” 

  Fan Xian knocked gently against the table as if thinking about the propriety involved. He hadn’t expected that Sun Jingxiu would directly raise his request. However, he also liked straightforward negotiations. A moment later, he nodded his head slightly and said, “I’ll speak on your behalf in the Palace.” 

  “And, Sir He?” Sun Jingxiu asked in a slightly trembling voice. He was overjoyed, but his expression remained calm. 

  Fan Xian lowered his eyelids slightly and said, “He is the Imperial Censor of the Left. I can’t control him.” 

  Sun Jingxiu’s heart trembled slightly. 

  Fan Xian raised his head and said with a slight smile, “However, he is just a junior in the Hall of Governmental Affairs. If Hu the Scholar does not nod his head, what can he do with you, the Jingdou magistrate?” 

  The conversation in the study ended simply. Fan Xian didn’t have Sun Jingxiu utter any promises about offering his life in sacrifice or other such mushy words. They both knew that since Fan Xian was willing to do such a major favor for Sun Jingxiu, Sun Jingxiu’s life could only be sold to Fan Xian. The Jingdou magistrate was not a casual position. When Sun Jingxiu gazed toward the officialdom, he could only see the back of Fan Xian’s head. He had no other choice. 

  Just as Fan Xian and Sun Jingxiu were chatting leisurely, the servants of the Sun manor were staring dumbfounded at the endless stream of official sedan chairs, watching the well-known officials from the court come forward with beaming smiles and warm birthday wishes. They couldn’t help but wonder to themselves where these people had been earlier. 

  A servant went to the study to inform Sun Jingxiu. He couldn’t help but smile bitterly. He knew these people’s attitudes had changed so quickly because Sir Fan junior had come. Furthermore, he had asked King Jing and Duke Liu to open the way. 

  Fan Xian saw the bitterness in him and smiled. “Matters of officialdom are always so shameless. You’ve endured in the Jingdou government for so long. You should be used to this, Otherwise, how could you last more than few years in such an oppressive atmosphere?” 

  Sun Jingxiu nodded and accepted the lesson. ……

  Only three tables were prepared in the main hall. All of the female companions were in the back garden with their own arrangements. Fan Xian only went with Wan’er to talk for a while with the old matriarch of the Sun family before retreating. 

  The main seat in the banquet was temporarily empty. Without hesitation, King Jing sat in the most respected position. Duke Liu sat across from him in the second position. The two elders had known each other their entire lives. Although they were sitting slightly far apart, they talked loudly. Leisurely conversation seemed to turn into arguments. 

  As usual, King Jing’s mouth was full of dirty language. Each comment he made always contained a number of curses. This made the officials at the three tables in the hall feel uncomfortable. It just so happened that Duke Liu was also someone retired from the military and familiar with such language. 

  Sun Jingxiu was looking after the other officials. Fan Xian sat between King Jing and Duke Liu, smiling, chatting, eating, and drinking with them, appearing quite at ease. King Jing and the Fan manor were family friends. Their relationship did not need to be mentioned. Duke Liu was Lady Liu’s father. When it came down to it, he was Fan Xian’s maternal grandfather. Naturally, Fan Xian was also very respectful. 

  Fan Xian talked with Duke Liu about the matters in Danzhou. Lady Liu was doing well, so this maternal grandfather was reassured. Additionally, with Fan Xian’s care, the children of the duke’s alley all had their territories. 

  However, it was a bit of a headache to talk to King Jing. Every few comments, he would vaguely bring the conversation around to matters relating to the medical shop. Fan Xian sighed in his heart. He didn’t know if there was a chance between Hongcheng and Ruoruo. 

  Speaking of Li Hongcheng, as general of Dingzhou, he couldn’t continue staying in Jingdou fighting with scholars after the New Year passed. He had helplessly returned to the West. However, he had left a personal squad outside the Danbo medical shop to keep an eye on what was happening. The Emperor knew what he did and was angry, but there was nothing he could do. ……

  The guests gradually arrived, including three ministers, two high-ranking officials, and eight vice ministers. Of all of the important officials in the Qing court, over half had come. The Jingdou magistrate could not gather so many important figures, but Fan Xian could. 

  With the passing of time, Fan Xian felt a headache starting. When these ministers and vice ministers came to see him, he had to rise to greet them and accept thoughtful greetings from them. After seeing three tables of people, he was feeling a little tired. However, this was not the end. There were still many officials outside who came in one after another to give their greetings. They were not willing to pass up such a rare opportunity to meet with Sir Fan junior. After some time, the smell of bullsh*t floated through the hall. Fan Xian’s expression was forcibly changed a number of times from the fawning. Being flattered by dozens of officials was not a good feeling. 

  After three rounds of drinks, another official brought up the matchless deed Fan Xian achieved in Dongyi. Everyone’s gaze on him grew heated. Very few people cared about the scholar He Zongwei. After all, this little duke was the Emperor’s own son. Furthermore, he had done a great deal for the Qing Kingdom these years and was truly beyond popular. What could those in high positions do? It was not impossible that he would be given land and a title. 

  Fan Xian’s head hurt. He wondered if the officials had come to the Sun manor to wish the old matriarch a happy birthday or if they had come specially to flatter him. When all was said and done, he understood. If they had not come to flatter him, why would these officials have come? 

  It was clear that King Jing was also interested in the Dongyi matter and pulled him to his side to question him closely about some top-secret things. However, there was at least another half-year to the negotiations being completed. Fan Xian could not say anything. He only picked some unimportant matters and secretly told the old farmer. 

  The less high-ranking officials could not worry about their appearance while fawning, but the ministers, vice ministers, and high officials sitting in the main hall still had to put on a calm expression. They only occasionally swept their eyes over Fan Xian’s face. 

  Fan Xian was blind to all of this. He knew that these people were waiting for him to act out and wanting to watch how he handed the consequences. ……

  The sun gradually moved. The lively noise outside of drinking also died down. After drinking a few cups of wine, King Jing and Duke Liu felt their heads grow heavy and their bodies tired. They couldn’t be bothered to watch what happened next and gave an excuse before making their farewells. 

  \r \r \r 

  Sun Jingxiu respectfully saw the two noblemen out of the main gate before returning to the main hall. After thinking for a moment, he ordered servants to stand guard outside the main hall and keep watch. 

  He stepped inside and begged forgiveness from the people at the three tables inside. He laughed and talked for a while before declining drinks and returning to the main seat at the head table. 

  The noise gradually died down in the hall. Everyone unconsciously put down their chopsticks and cups. Looking at the various dishes in front, they used the calm smile on their faces to express their official manner and bearing, waiting for what would happen next. 

  Sun Jingxiu expressed his thanks and such. He then stopped talking and sat down calmly beside Fan Xian. 

  Fan Xian’s eyes lowered slightly. He slowly placed the ivory chopsticks in his hand on the blue porcelain chopstick holder, making a light clinking sound. The hearts of all the officials were battered by this sound. 

  A rather uncomfortable silence descended over the entire hall. Compared to the noise in the courtyard and music in the back garden, it was extremely silent. 

  “There is no need for me to praise Sir Sun’s official reputation.” Fan Xian raised his head, pursing his lips slightly. “The Emperor has also spoken well of him in private.” 

  Hearing these words, the officials all felt ridiculed. If the Emperor really liked this Jingdou magistrate, how could Sir He have let such a rumor escape? Did the little Duke say “in private?” Ah, who knew what the father and son said in private? 

  “Everyone is an official at the same court. Everyone has times when things don’t go so well, so I hope that everyone will assist each other.” Fan Xian’s words were not chosen well. First, he had exposed Sun Jingxiu’s predicament and lost the vanguard advantage. Second, he used such commercial words as “assist.” This was an appalling state of table manners. 

  When it came to well-chosen words, one had to consider who said them. Even if the Emperor wrote a limerick about a white swollen dog, officials skilled in poetry would have to extol its praise loudly. Thus, after Fan Xian said these words, all of the officials at the banquet stroked their whiskers and nodded, deeply believing that Sir Fan junior’s words were short but not simple and rational. 

  Fan Xian turned his head and looked at the official on his right-hand side. “What does Minister Wei think?” 

  The present Minister of Revenue, Wei Donghang, was also a crafty official who had been honed for many years in the Ministry of Revenue. In the past, he had seen Fan Xian countless times when he visited the Fan manor to discuss matters with Minister Fan. He wasn’t able to take over Fan Jian’s position because of his achievements in the Ministry of Revenue. It was because he had fallen completely to the Emperor’s side. He wholeheartedly did as the Emperor wished and pulled the Ministry of Revenue from the swamp of the Fan manor’s independent kingdom. 

  Minister Wei knew that this actions these two years had offended Sir Fan junior, but he had the Emperor right behind him. He was not too worried. Fan Xian had not expressed any discontent with him. It seemed that he understood his difficulties. It was precisely because of this that he still accepted the Sun manor’s invitation after learning about Fan Xian’s arrival and thinking things over for a long time. 

  He not expected that Sir Fan junior would choose to create difficulties because of the Jingdou government manor or choose him first. 

  His heart jumped slightly. He knew that Sir Fan junior did not like him. Otherwise, he would not have chosen the Ministry of Revenue to single out during the banquet. 

  A faint chill surged in his heart. Minister Wei had no other choice. After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said in an even voice, “You are right. The Ministry of Revenue acts according to Emperor’s orders and Qing law. We will certainly not act at will.” 

  Everyone at the banquet were sly old foxes who had been in officialdom for a long time. They understood why Fan Xian had picked Minister Wei alone to answer the question. However, the matter did not concern them, so they let the matter rest. Unexpectedly, Minister Wei’s quiet words pushed back at Fan Xian. There wasn’t even a vague promise to express goodwill. 

  On one hand, the officials admired Minister Wei’s boldness. On the other, they were worried about what would happen next. They were all silent. The other two ministers raised their chopsticks and quietly indicated for those next to them to slowly eat. 

  “I am a peaceful person.” The smile on Fan Xian’s face grew. Staring into Wei Donghang’s eyes, he said in an even voice, “If there is an edict, you must act according to the edict. If there isn’t one, I would like to see what consequences those lowly people will reap in the end.” 

  The Overwatch Council and the matters of the court were two different things. Each did not interfere with the other. Fan Xian’s words were already breaking the taboo slightly. The words “lowly people” was, without question, a slap to Minister Wei’s face. His expression immediately became icy as he looked at Fan Xian and said, “I wonder what Sir Fan junior means by that?” 

  Fan Xian still did not get angry. He just said with a smile, “I mean nothing by it. It is just that I am going into the Palace tonight to ask the Emperor just what orders he has recently given to the Ministry of Revenue that they are not doing their proper jobs and are instead standing guard outside the Jingdou government every day.” 

  “I control the Overwatch Council, but I do not privately investigate officials above the third-rank.” Fan Xian’s expression remained very gentle. “As today is the old matriarch’s 80th birthday, I shouldn’t say such comments that kill the mood. However, I won’t be in the capital for many more days since I am returning to Dongyi soon. Thinking that the Jingdou government was an urgent matter, it is inevitable that I acted in a hurry. Please do not ridicule me.” 

  The officials at the banquet all forced back a laugh. No one dared to actually laugh. Sir Fan junior’s words had made things clear. He was the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council. In three days, he would formally become the second Director of the Overwatch Council. As for his other identities, there was no need to mention them. As for returning to Dongyi, this was to remind these officials that he had achieved enough to ask the Emperor for anything, even an edict. 

  Minister Wei’s heart jumped as he understood the meaning of these words. 

  Fan Xian raised his cup of wine and said to the officials at the banquet, “Everybody, let the Jingdou government be at ease.” 

  With these words, everyone knew Fan Xian had formally stood out. After a moment of awkward silence, some people slowly raised the cups in front of them. Participation was not unanimous, but most of the officials raised their wine cups. 

  Minister Wei was still staring at his wine cup, lost in thought. He was indeed in a difficult position. He knew Fan Xian was a person to hold a grudge. He had smiled so warmly earlier, which probably meant he was extremely angry. Even if he begged for mercy and retreated, would Fan Xian just let him go like this in the future? Furthermore, he was a minister. He had his status and dignity, as well as the Emperor and He Zongwei’s full support. It didn’t make any sense for him to retreat. 

  Fan Xian didn’t look at him directly and said with a warm smile, “Although we are all officials of the court, we are also all pitiful people who are trying to devise a good future for our children and relatives.” 

  “The Emperor once said that living in the world, one needs a respectful and fearful heart.” He looked at the people at the banquet. “I walk between the heaven and the earth. I only have respect and fear for two things.” 

  The Minister of the Board of Rites furrowed his brows slightly. He had been the first to raise his cup. He was different from Minister Wei. He had never offended Fan Xian before, so he had a chance to correct things. He thought mockingly that Wei Donghang didn’t know what kind of person Sir Fan junior was or what kind of tactics he used. 

  He knew what Minister Wei was thinking. The Overwatch Council could not control officials above the third-rank. As long as the Emperor did not speak, Sir Fan junior seemed completely unable to threaten him. He knew better. It seemed that Minister Wei had forgotten history. When Fan Xian was still nobody, he had already forced the original Minister of the Board of Rites, Minister Guo, onto a fatal path. Later, he had brought down numerous ministers. He had even pushed the Crown Prince toward death. You are just a mere minister, so why clash head-on with him? 

  Thinking of this, the Minister of the Board of Rites picked up Fan Xian’s words and asked with a smile, “I wonder who you fear and respect.” 

  “I first respect the Emperor and second, my father.” Fan Xian gently spun the little wine cup between his fingers and said with a smile. “The Emperor spoke well. Without respect and fear, one’s action would become impetuous. My actions in the past were impetuous. I ask you all for your pardon.” 

  There was another wave of laughter in the room, but everyone had clearly understood the meaning in these words. Respect and fear? Impetuous? Not only was he impetuous, he was straight up ruthless. 

  The old saying still held true. An ill-judged threat still appeared to have substance because the person making it was too powerful. Particularly when Fan Xian mentioned children and relatives, he had reminded some people that even if the Overwatch Council couldn’t touch a minister or vice minister, it was still easy to banish those in a clan into hell. 

  This was an arrogant, aggressive, and presumptuous action. The Emperor favored Fan Xian. No one could change that reality. Wei Donghang’s expression gradually darkened as his fingers began to shake. He felt that Sir Fan junior was unreasonable. Did he dare to attack other people’s families for his own problems? 

  Everyone knew that Fan Xian dared. Although Sir Fan junior once had the reputation of being an immortal poet, he had always walked a dark and haunted road and was very unreasonable. 

  In the end, Wei Donghang slowly raised his wine cup and drank it in one gulp, not tasting the alcohol at all. 

  Fan Xian nodded and raised his cup again, saying one last thing, “Eat and drink well, everybody!” ……

  No one knew if the remaining officials, particularly the Minister of Revenue, who had been openly threatened and treated with disdain, still had the mood to eat and drink well. In any case, Fan Xian was in a good mood. He left the Sun manor early but did not return home with Lin Wan’er. Instead, he sat in the black carriage and drove toward the north side of the city. 

  “To the Imperial Academy,” he ordered Mu Feng’er. “Hu the Scholar is not on duty today. He is lecturing at the Academy.” 

  Mu Feng’er made a sound of acknowledgment and didn’t wonder why he was in a hurry to see Hu the Scholar. 

  Fan Xian sat in the carriage and rubbed his tightly furrowed brows. What he had done in Sun manor was not actually appropriate, but he had to put on such an attitude. This kind of attitude would certainly immediately travel throughout Jingdou. He had to get there ahead and deal with the consequences. 

  He was going into the Palace. Before he did, he had to see Hu the Scholar. If he could convince the leading scholar, then he would have a bit more confidence in setting himself against the Emperor.

  Chapter 646: The Black Umbrella In The Imperial Academy And The Light On The Nose Bridge明


  Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio 

  The black carriage drove past the opening of Dongchuan street. Fan Xian had just drawn back his gaze from his family’s bookstore and medical shop. With a twist of his head, he saw the ancient-looking front doors of the Imperial Academy. 

  The Imperial Academy was a rather loose collection of buildings. It was not the kind of building with a public hall by the street. There were no tall courtyard walls. Even the large front doors were never closed. Inside, the green trees stretched out. The sound of books being read rang out from various areas. It was filled with a scholarly air. 

  Like how the Bureau of Military Affairs was once known as the Department for Army Affairs and was still confused with the Ministry of War in the six ministries, the Qing Kingdom had passed new policies numerous times and had changed the name of the Imperial Academy over and over again. Tongwen Institute, the Ministry of Education…… In any case, whatever was difficult to say, the Emperor would change it at random to it. 

  The scholars were used to referring to this area as the Imperial Academy. The court documents also followed the natural course of things and acknowledged this. The scholars from each province and county, as well as the talented disciples recommended by the noble and powerful manors in Jingdou, were all gathered in this collection of buildings, learning the classics and history, as well as the way of governance. 

  This was the Qing Kingdom’s highest institution of learning. The teachers were the best of the best. For example, the calligraphy master of the Palace’s imperial newspaper, Pan Ling, or the teacher of the present scholar of the Hall of Governmental Affairs He Zongwei, Zeng Wenxiang. A few years ago, Shu the Scholar had been a professor in the Imperial Academy. Even the foremost civil official in the court at present, Hu the Scholar, occasionally came to the Imperial Academy to lecture to these scholars. 

  With such incredible teachers, in addition to the Imperial Academy’s special status and great futures the students already had, it was inevitable that the students of the Imperial Academy became haughty. Common officials and yamens did not like to interact with the Imperial Academy. The Qing Kingdom’s somewhat open-minded style of learning further made it so that common officials refused to enter, .They were afraid that these students would forcibly question them, then they would have to escape miserably. 

  Fan Xian never had such fears. His relationship with the students of the Imperial Academy had always been good, particularly after the fourth year of the Qing calendar when he took on a position at the Imperial Academy as a deputy assistant professor. In addition, Fan Xian astounded the world with his talent and also brought back to the Imperial Academy a carriage of books from Northern Qi that belonged to Master Zhuang. Following this, his status in the Imperial Academy rose to a sublime level. He was greatly admired by the students. 

  The carriage stopped quietly at the doors of the Imperial Academy. Someone had already come out to receive him. Fan Xian got down from the carriage. He looked at the front doors he had not seen for half a year and smiled. The ancient-looking doors were actually built later. A sense of age had been forcibly added in. So much money was spent because the Qing Kingdom always felt slightly inferior from the depths of its heart when it came to matters of learning and knowledge, particularly when it came to certain areas where history was similar. 

  It suddenly began to rain. Although it was not raining heavily, the scattered raindrops landed on the dark wooden doors of the Imperial Academy. It made it particularly striking as it gradually stained in a mottled pattern. The stone pavement on the ground also rapidly accumulated water. 

  An official of the Qinian Unit silently took out a raincoat from inside the carriage, wanting to help Fan Xian put it on. Fan Xian shook his head. Although he liked to wear the black raincoat to lead his closest subordinates in a triangular formation and walking out like ghosts through Jingdou’s silent autumn nights, he was at the Imperial Academy. He didn’t want to appear too special and startle the hot-blooded and pure students. 

  Mu Feng’er raised the umbrella and walked with him through the doors of the Imperial Academy. 

  It was already afternoon. The sun was moving east. It was covered by a patch of cloud. With the rain sweeping by, the light became dimmer. The entire expansive courtyard was filled with a sense of gloominess. Not a single person could be seen. It was extremely empty and silent. 

  Thousands of Imperial Academy students were in class. As a professor of the Academy, Fan Xian knew this. However, he furrowed his brows and wondered why the sound of reading had stopped so uniformly. 

  Like a flock of bees suddenly moving in unison or a mountain wind funneling through a narrow and natural bottleneck, a wave of buzzing suddenly rang out in the Imperial Academy’s silent courtyard. It grew louder and louder. It was the sound of countless people’s discussions and laughing chatter that had mixed together. 

  Class was over. Hundreds of young scholars walked out from various courtyards of the Imperial Academy at the same time. They walked to the broad path in the center, squeezing tightly together. A wave of new energy immediately filled the entire space. 

  Some of the young people had forgotten to bring umbrellas. Yelling loudly, they leapt across the wet stone pavement, breaking through layers of raindrops as they ran toward their residences. More of the students were calm and unruffled. Wearing a calm smile, they opened the umbrellas at their sides. All of a sudden, countless umbrellas of all colors bloomed in the courtyard. There weren’t any bright colors. Blue, grey, simple, and light were the main palette. 

  Fan Xian, who had not wanted to draw attention to himself, immediately attracted everyone’s attention because of the black cloth umbrella above his head, making him an anomaly amongst the sea of plain and pale colors. 

  “Sir Fan junior!” 

  “Teacher!” 

  “Sir!” 

  The students crowded around with surprise and bowed toward Fan Xian. Most of the students had only seen him from a distance. Some had been fortunate enough to work with him on editing the writings of Master Zhuang and called out with particular energy. 

  Fortunately, it did not create a traffic jam. It was probably because the students knew Fan Xian had been busy in court and with the Dongyi matter. They forcibly suppressed the joy in their hearts. After bowing and giving their greetings, they cleared out of the path in the middle. 

  Fan Xian smiled and nodded at all of them. He said a few words with the students and teachers he was familiar with. He raised his head to look at the fading light. He did not waste any more time giving his farewells. He headed to the hall in the depths of the Academy. 

  Behind him and the officials of the Overwatch Council, the students of the Imperial Academy could barely contain their excitement. They whispered curiously amongst themselves. They were all guessing as to the reason Sir Fan junior had come to the Imperial Academy. Was the Emperor going to return Sir Fan junior to the Imperial Academy after the Dongyi matter concluded? Was he going to come back and teach? ……

  Closing his black umbrella and putting it by the door, a trickle of cold rainwater flowed down to the tip of the umbrella and left a long line on the ground, wetting the tall wooden threshold. Fan Xian accepted a towel from an instructor and wiped haphazardly at his slightly wet hair. He then entered the room. Bowing to the scholar behind the table, he said with a smile, “I’m here to see you.” 

  Hu the Scholar took of the glasses on his nose and looked at him suspiciously for a moment before recognizing him. With a smile, he said, “It is rare that I don’t need to be in the corner room today. I had wanted some peace and quiet. Can you not let me relax?” 

  Hu the Scholar headed the Hall of Governmental Affairs. The Emperor was gradually growing older. His energy couldn’t compare to that of his prime. Furthermore, it seemed that this ruler had become more open-minded and threw many state affairs to the Hall of Governmental Affairs. He no longer attended to everything personally. Thus, the powers of the Hall of Governmental Affairs grew, and it had become busy. In the private words of some sharp-eyed officials, the Hall of Governmental Affairs of the present day was gradually becoming the Prime Minister’s manor of the past. The power in the hands of Hu the Scholar seemed to be approaching that of Lin Ruofu’s day by day. 

  Fan Xian did not believe this. Since the Emperor had worked so hard to topple his father-in-law, he would not allow another Lin Ruofu to appear. He knew Hu the Scholar toiled all day on affairs of the state. With a smile, he walked forward and bowed again. “If it was not an important matter, I would not dare to come bother you.” 

  He and Hu the Scholar had a good relationship. During the debate on old and new characters, the two people’s stance had been very similar. Both admired the other’s personality and had become good friends in private. Additionally, during the Jingdou rebellion, Hu the Scholar had done a great favor for Fan Xian. In the end, Fan Xian had taken the lead in rescuing his life. 

  “Speak.” Hu the Scholar placed his glasses on the table with a gentle clink. After pausing for a moment, he sighed and said, “If it requires you to come personally, it’s probably nothing good.” 

  Fan Xian smiled and looked at the glasses on the table but didn’t immediately say why he had come. Instead, he said, “Are these crystal lens still good?” 

  Hu the Scholar was like he always had been. He had a youthful appearance that was completely at odds with his age. Fan Xian knew that this leading civil official had some small problem with his eyes. Two years ago, they happened to talk about it. Fan Xian remembered it and had the palace treasury work on it for a long time. They had found some foreign crystals from Dongyi and made a pair of unique glasses for him. 

  Hu the Scholar had always been grateful for this. As he was always toiling away at state affairs and auditing memorials, bad eyesight was a big problem. 

  Ground by hand and without optometry equipment, Fan Xian only knew that Hu the Scholar was long-sighted. He had no idea how much the glasses would help. 

  “Very good, very good,” Hu the Scholar said with a smile. “Alright, just for the matter of these glasses, I’ll help you with whatever you want. In any case, you wouldn’t make me do any muddled-headed nonsense that was against the law and edicts.” 

  With these words, Fan Xian almost burst into laughter. He thought that this scholar appeared loyal but was unexpectedly cautious and cunning. Both of them knew that a problem Fan Xian could not resolve with his own powers had to be something concerning the internal workings of the court. Hu the Scholar’s words were extremely sly. 

  Fan Xian smiled and shook his head. Just as Hu the Scholar thought he would not speak and was stroking his beard to console himself, Fan Xian suddenly narrowed his eyes and said, “The Jingdou magistrate, Sun Jingxiu, is not a bad official……” 

  \r \r \r 

  Hu the Scholar’s fingers tightened. He almost pulled out his beard. He coughed repeatedly. He had not thought Fan Xian would speak so straightforwardly. Concerning the position of Jingdou magistrate, as the head of the civil officials, he knew the cause for the present situation. However, the Emperor was helping He Zongwei rise, so he could only maintain his silence. 

  He glanced at Fan Xian probingly and said, “This Sir Sun…… Did you personally suppress those rumors in the past?” 

  Fan Xian couldn’t be bothered to beat around the bush. He sat down next to him and said next to his ear, “I have no connection to his daughter, but I truly want to protect Sir Sun.” 

  “This is what the Emperor wants.” Hu the Scholar had no taboos in front of him and directly brought the Emperor out. 

  Fan Xian smiled coldly. “It’s just that He Zongwei is dancing around with a moving youthfulness. What does it have to do with the Emperor?” 

  Hut the Scholar laughed. He knew that this kid would never admit that the Jingdou government’s problem was the Emperor’s fault in front of anyone. Otherwise, he would be openly setting himself against the Emperor. 

  Fan Xian continued, “I will just ask you one thing, how are Sun Jingxiu’s examination grades these three years?” 

  “This……” Hu the Scholar gently stroked his short whiskers and was silent for a moment. He then said, “Two years above average and one year average. It is just average.” 

  The Jingdou government was indeed an important position, so Hu the Scholar had the recent three years grades well-memorized. They came out easily. Fan Xian laughed coldly and said, “Save your misleading chatter. You know very well that the position of Jingdou magistrate isn’t one for a human. If one does not offend this department, then one offends another. Each year there is an examination, and each year it is below average.” 

  “In the past, Mei Zhili was, at most, average.” Fan Xian rubbed his wrist. “For Sun Jingxiu to have two years of above average, he is already a very capable official. Furthermore, he is not one to engage in corrupt dealings and form factions. He also does not commit fraud. To have such an evaluation is truly rare.” 

  Hu the Scholar was silent for a moment. He couldn’t win over his conscience and gently nodded his head. He knew that the position of the Jingdou magistrate was a difficult one. Sun Jingxiu was truly a rare kind among subordinates. If he continued to be responsible for the Jingdou government, it would be much easier for him to complete his tasks, too. 

  “If he’s actually taken down, who would replace him?” Fan Xian asked seriously. “I am here today not for private reasons or a grudge. I just want to ask if you want to see the Jingdou government go through five magistrates in three years again and end in no one taking the position to the point of swallowing coal and feigning illness?” 

  Hu the Scholar sighed and said uncomfortably, “I also don’t want Sir Sun to leave his post, but I don’t understand why such a rumor would come out from the Palace.” 

  He stared into Fan Xian’s eyes and quietly asked, “Did you have an argument with the Emperor?” 

  In this world, only Fan Xian dared to argue with the Emperor. Fan Xian smiled self-mockingly and said, “It has nothing to do with arguing. In any case, you should be able to see that the Emperor is using this matter to establish He Zongwei’s reputation. Even if Sun Jingxiu is not my man, even if he was an idiot, I would still protect him.” 

  “Earlier you said it’s not for private reasons. Now, you’re saying he’s your man.” Hu the Scholar shook his head with a bitter smile. “What do you want me to do? If I speak out, the Emperor will certainly guess that you asked me to do this. Sir He is also a talented man, why hold such an anger against him?” 

  Fan Xian was silent for a moment. He then said in a quiet voice, “I have to hold it against him. In this world, it is either the east wind subduing the west wind or the west wind subduing the east wind. I will not give He Zongwei any hope or chance of succeeding.” 

  “Why?” Hu the Scholar asked with confusion. He saw Fan Xian was speaking sternly and felt alarmed. 

  Fan Xian did not reply to this question. It meant he would have to announce his intention to do his best in delaying the Emperor in protecting the power in his hands. He slowly rose and said, “Tonight, I am going into the Palace to argue with the Emperor and force him to not send out an official edict. Thus, the problem of the Jingdou government would be under pressure from the Hall of Governmental Affairs. I need you to help me oppose it from within.” 

  Hu the Scholar did not comment, as if waiting for a following explanation. 

  Fan Xian smiled and said, “Sun Jingxiu is a good official. He shouldn’t disappear amidst a meaningless battle for power. The reason is that simple.” 

  Without waiting for Hu the Scholar the speak, he slowly said, “The Imperial Academy is a good place, bursting with youthfulness. These students will all enter the court and be officials. As teachers, not only must we teach them, but we must also use real situations in the court to help them establish confidence.” 

  “If an official is willing to work then they will be safe and sound.” Fan Xian stared into Hu the Scholar’s eyes. “If Sun Jingxiu is brought down, what will you use to teach these students? What use will the words and standards in their books have?” 

  Forced into a corner, Hu the Scholar was silent for a long time. He knew that this little Duke was one who would do as he said. If he didn’t agree, he might actually use his reputation in the Imperial Academy to encourage the students into doing something. Unwillingly, he sighed and said, “Alright. As long as the Emperor doesn’t announce an edict, I will try to protect Sir Sun.” 

  Hearing these words, Fan Xian finally smiled happily. Raising his hands, he didn’t say more and made his farewells. 

  Hu the Scholar raised the crystal glasses on his table and said with a smile, “Even if I am returning the favor of these glasses, don’t you think I am returning too much?” 

  Fan Xian was in a good mood and said, “At worst, I’ll have the palace treasury make a few more. One for each of your sons.” 

  Hue the Scholar could do nothing about his subtle mockery and scolded with a laugh, “What I mean is, the assistant professor said that when you’re done with the Dongyi matter, you have to hurry back to the Imperial Academy to give lectures to the students.” 

  Fan Xian replied with a smile, “I was going to do that even if you didn’t say it.” These were sincere words. Coming into the Imperial Academy and seeing those young students, Fan Xian felt good. It was as if he had seen his old school days from his previous life. He also knew that these students were the future pillars of the Qing Kingdom. If he could influence them now, at some point, they may become life-saving treasures. ……

  Fan Xian made his farewells and left. Accompanied by the dim light, Hu the Scholar continued his own affairs alone. After an indeterminable amount of time, before the sky had completely darkened, an official walked in quietly and said some things by his ear. 

  Hu the Scholar was silent for a long time. A bitter smile rose involuntarily to his the corners of his lips. He said in a quiet voice, “So, such a thing happened at the banquet at Sun manor. I really have no idea what that Duke is thinking in making such an exaggerated fuss about all this. It is completely unlike his usually restrained personality.” 

  The official was Hue the Scholar’s trusted aide. His expression was confused. He said, “Furthermore, this matter seems strange. He knows that this is the Palace’s intention, yet Sir Fan junior insists on opposing it, even to the point of coming to ask teacher for help. For just Sun Jingxiu, is it worth it?” 

  “It’s not just Sun Jingxiu.” Hu the Scholar sighed again. He waved his hand to dismiss this official and reminded him, “Don’t bring up this matter again. As long as the Emperor does not make an edict, I will help Sir Fan junior save Sun Jingxiu. It should do no harm.” 

  The official made a sound of acknowledgment and left. 

  Hu the Scholar’s young face changed expressions under the dim light. He was thinking about what Fan Xian said earlier, guessing at Fan Xian’s true intentions. East wind and west wind? He rubbed his slightly tensed brows and couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. Sir He probably didn’t have the authority to be the east wind. Sir Fan junior was setting himself up against the Emperor. 

  But, why? Was he resentful of the Emperor’s weakening of his power and venting it here? Hu the Scholar sank deep into thought. He did not think this was the case. It had already been three years. The Emperor’s assault on the Overwatch Council’s powers had been progressing the entire time. Before Fan Xian took any step forward in the Palace, he would have already retreated back a step with great filial piety. He had not seemed unhappy at all with this back and forth. 

  Why was Fan Xian no longer retreating? Was he afraid that if he retreated too much he would not have anything left in his hands to contend with against others? Other than the Emperor, who did he have to contend against?” 

  Hu the Scholar’s brows were pulled together tightly, but he could not understand the matter. Suddenly, his finger stroked against his furrows. He quickly used his finger to spread apart the wrinkles and then quietly took out a small porcelain bottle from under his table. Picking out a creamy substance from the bottle, he rubbed it carefully on his face. After slowly patting it, his face became smooth and shiny. The fine lines were wholly unremarkable. 

  Hu the Scholar put the bottle inside his desk, hid it carefully and smiled self-mockingly. Why should he think so much about the matter between the father and son? It’s not like they would actually become hostile. However, the self-mocking smile on Hu the Scholar’s lips grew stronger. It even seemed faintly sorrowful. 

  He was not young anymore, so he was particularly careful about taking good care of his face. He knew that his mission in history was to become the Emperor’s backbone in court in a century, so he must not appear old. If the Emperor thought he was old, he would certainly develop other thoughts and leave a younger assistant official for his son. 

  Each person had their own secret, their own helplessness, and their own sorrows.