Chapter 72

Chapter 70: Opening the Temple

The Imperial Decree was hastily delivered to the Temple of Acknowledged Sins. Neither Xiao Chiye nor Shen Zechuan had their official robes on, and the courtyard was filled with kneeling officials. The eunuch who came to deliver the edict was unfamiliar, so he did not dare to put on airs. Seeing that someone had come out, he hurriedly began to read it.

After the eunuch finished reading the edict, he bowed to Xiao Chiye and said, "Governor, please rise quickly!"

Xiao Chiye received the edict, and Chen Yang immediately ordered for tea to be served.

"There's an aura of illness everywhere in the Temple of Acknowledged Sins," Xiao Chiye said. "I won't have you sit inside today."

"The Governor has been tirelessly attending to official duties these past few days. Even if you were to sit, it should be you who is seated first," the eunuch said happily as he took a few sips of tea. He then frowned and sighed. "How can this tea be worthy of your taste, Governor? Now that His Majesty has awakened, according to the Lord Chancellor's suggestion, both you and Lord High Commander can rest."

"There are still people with contagious diseases in the sheds. We cannot afford to be careless when carrying out our duties," Xiao Chiye said with ease. After exchanging some pleasantries, he became more familiar with the eunuch. The two of them stood in the courtyard, chatting and drinking tea. Xiao Chiye asked, "Did His Majesty awaken today?"

The eunuch's name was Fu Man. He replied, "Yes, he just woke up this morning. All the consorts in the palace were overjoyed to tears, and Empress Dowager personally instructed the Imperial Medical Academy to take good care of him."

The words in the edict were merely formalities, praising the swift actions and timely defense of the Imperial Guards, the Jin Yiwei, and the Minister of Revenue. However, the specifics of the rewards were merely mentioned briefly.

Fu Man was newly appointed and usually served in the cabinet office. The cabinet officials looked down on eunuchs, and Hai Liangyi particularly despised them. Thus, whenever Fu Man carried out his duties, he could never see Hai Liangyi's face. He would retreat to the side and kneel while answering questions. He would only answer whatever Hai Liangyi asked without cracking jokes or smiling. Now, not only did he receive a warm cup of tea, but he also saw that Governor Xiao was an easygoing person who overlooked minor details. As they conversed, Fu Man gradually relaxed and thought about doing Governor Xiao a favor to build a connection with him.

"Having been serving in the cabinet these days, pouring tea and holding cups for the elders, I've picked up some rumors about the governor," Fu Man said, moving closer and whispering.

Xiao Chiye's expression remained unchanged as he waved others away and leaned on Fu Man's shoulder. "So you're the favorite of the elders. Now, I too have to read the signs of the times. Trying to guess the winds that are about to blow is quite a challenge. Could you give me a hint, eunuch?"

Fu Man hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare claim to be giving advice. The governor works for the people with integrity, and the elders know this well. The cabinet has deliberated over the rewards for a few days, so there shouldn't be any issues. The governor just needs to wait patiently!"

Xiao Chiye smiled. "I won't be greedy for credit this time. It wasn't solely my effort that resolved the matter. If the reward is too generous, I'll feel uneasy."

"Fuh! Governor!" Fu Man slapped his thigh. "You're being far too modest. Wasn't it Shen Zechuan from the Jinyiwei who carried out the assignment?"

"It was," Xiao Chiye replied. "He's a man with a cold demeanor."

Fu Man had heard about their conflict, so he chuckled. "Who knew they'd end up working together? Since the task is completed, he will surely receive a reward. But since he serves in the Jinyiwei, the cabinet cannot decide how to reward him. We can only wait for the Emperor's decision."

"He was exceptionally promoted to the Southern Inspectorate at the end of last year, and now another reward? That's too quick," Xiao Chiye said. "Didn't the cabinet have any objections?"

Fu Man placed the teacup down gently. "The governor doesn't like him, so of course, he would pay attention. But right now, the elders are preoccupied with other matters. No one would dare to defy the Emperor's wishes over something like this. After all, even Hai Elder is compliant after the Emperor's recent misfortunes. However, if I may speak frankly as a servant, his rapid promotion might bring potential dangers. Most officials in the Jinyiwei above the fifth rank come from influential families. As for Shen Zechuan... who would take his background seriously? If someone shouted Shen Wei's name on the streets now, they'd be showered with saliva. His promotion would only invite humiliation, whether open or veiled. Being overly successful and rewarded invites envy. The Jinyiwei is a formidable organization filled with wolves and tigers. If he wants to keep his reward, he'll need to prove himself!"

Xiao Chiye chatted with Fu Man a while longer before instructing Chen Yang to escort him out. Chen Yang accompanied Fu Man outside and helped him onto his horse. Halfway through his journey, Fu Man felt a weight in his sleeve. Upon retrieving it, his face lit up with delight.

"Governor is truly generous," Fu Man returned the silver. "You're someone worthy of being a friend."

* * *

When Shen Zechuan met Liang Cuishan, he listened as the man recited the accounts clearly and answered his questions effortlessly. It was a pity that such a capable person was only a low-ranking clerk.

Shen Zechuan said, "With the recent chaos, there have been countless pharmacies in the capital, and the transactions of medicinal herbs were messy and intricate. For you to remember all this so vividly, you must have put in great effort."

"It's my duty to handle such matters," Liang Cuishan replied with concern. "Your Excellency looks much better today."

"The medicine has cured my illness, and I'm mostly recovered," Shen Zechuan said. "These accounts need to be copied. One copy will be kept by the Ministry of Finance, another for your report, and one for the Imperial Guards, so they'll have an understanding too."

During the days when the plague spread, everyone was on edge, putting aside old grudges and feuds. But now that the rain had stopped, it was time to reward those who had contributed. With three parties involved, there was no guarantee that there wouldn't be any backstabbing or attempts to undermine each other.

Liang Cuishan, having served in the lower ranks and seen much, initially thought that Shen Zechuan had a strained relationship with the Imperial Guards, expecting them to argue fiercely. Yet, Shen Zechuan neither sought credit nor made a fuss. After completing the task, he didn't cling onto the glory.

After a moment's hesitation, Liang Cuishan still spoke up. "These accounts were recorded as per Your Excellency's instructions. Should I submit them as is?"

"I was delirious from my illness, and many tasks were carried out by you alone," Shen Zechuan closed the ledger. "I see that you're organized and experienced in the Ministry of Finance. How come you're just a clerical officer?"

Liang Cai Shan seemed to sense something and spoke with a hoarse voice, "Since the second year of Xian De, I've served in the Ministry of Revenue. Back then, it was led by the Huas... With my meager finances, I could only fulfill my duties without bribing anyone for favors. The higher-ups kept me in my position, and my annual inspections have always been mediocre, neither commendable nor blameworthy."

Shen Zechuan fell silent for a moment before he said, "Now that the Emperor encourages open discussions, and the Six Ministries lack capable personnel, there's no need for you to be disheartened. Opportunities will come when the time is right."

Understanding that Shen Zechuan was giving him advice, Liang Cai Shan hurriedly bowed and said, "I will never forget the gratitude I owe to you, Inspector General!"

Shen Zechuan rose and, without saying more, lifted the curtain and left. Liang Cai Shan stared blankly at the ground, only realizing after a while that tears had streamed down his face.

He didn't mention to Shen Zechuan that he was from Jue Xi and had spent decades devoted to studying, delaying his entry into the exams. Initially, he was supposed to serve in the Ministry of Personnel but was replaced by someone who paid for the position. He then transferred to the Ministry of Works, where he excelled for several years due to his mathematical skills. As a result, he was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue. There, he thought he would finally have a chance to shine, but a distant relative of the Huas held a senior position and made things difficult. Liang Cai Shan did all the work, but the credit went to the other man. When he sought opportunities elsewhere, he was denied, and they wanted to exploit his labor for free. He was continuously suppressed until he became nothing more than a low-ranking clerk, not even considered an official.

Once upon a time, it was believed to be the end of a grand and opulent dream, a realization of emptiness and enlightenment.[1] Yet, fortune and misfortune are intertwined, revealing another village beyond the dark willows and bright flowers.

* * *

Two days later, the palace's restrictions were lifted, and the six ministries resumed their normal operations. The Imperial Penitentiary was disbanded, and the ailing patients who had yet to recover were left in the care of the Imperial Hospital.

Shen Zechuan reappeared spotless, adorned once more in his dragon robe and phoenix sash, with his sword and official badge at his side. Xiao Chiye, too, was impeccably dressed, his furious lion-red robe accentuating his tall, slender frame.

The two engaged in a pretentious display of respect.

"I'll take this path," Xiao Chiye called out to Lang Tao Xue Jin, patting the horse's back. "Will you accompany me into the palace, Minister Zhenfu?"

"Governor, please lead the way," Shen Zechuan replied politely. "I have to report to the Commander."

"Being beneath someone else is rather unpleasant," Xiao Chiye mounted his horse. "When will you come and play with me?"

"I'm afraid of heights," Shen Zechuan looked up at him. "Hold on tight."

"There are many affairs to tend to. Whether I can hold on or not depends on whether you'll show mercy," Xiao Chiye tapped his chest with the horsewhip. "Be gentle."

The two parted ways in front of the Zhaozui Temple. Instead of immediately seeking out Han Cheng, Shen Zechuan drove to the place where Ji Gang and Qi Huilian were being held.

This small courtyard was surrounded by walls with a half-dead pear tree peering over. Upon entering, Shen Zechuan passed through the yard and up the steps but saw that the main door was tightly shut, without any sign of Ji Gang or Qi Huilian.

Qiao Tianya sensed something odd about the atmosphere. From the disorderly footprints on the ground, he could tell that there were others present. Gripping the hilt of his sword, he stepped forward with a laugh. "No one here? If there's no one, I'll draw my blade—"

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, swaying the withered branches of the pear tree. The wild grass in the yard brushed against his robe, and with his sharp gaze, Qiao Tianya realized that the courtyard was surrounded by people both inside and out.

"What are you drawing your sword for? We're all acquaintances." A rather weak voice came from within the house. "Lan Zhou, why aren't you speaking?"

Shen Zechuan's eyes flickered with intensity, yet he forced a smile and said, "Second Young Master, have you recovered from your illness?"

Xi Hongxuan was wrapped in a fox fur robe inside the room, looking much thinner, with an ashen expression on his face. He held a teacup, glancing at the door with a sinister sneer. "How dare I meet you if I'm not well? My dear brother, you've been hiding someone important here without even giving me a heads-up!"

Shen Zechuan burst into laughter, gesturing for Qiao Tianya to step back as he forcefully pushed open the door. Dust swirled within, revealing a room full of guards, their swords already drawn, reflecting a snowy glow.

Xi Hongxuan sat in the center, holding his teacup tightly.

Undaunted, Shen Zechuan stepped in and said, "One idiot and one madman, how can they be considered important figures? If you wanted them, why not just ask me?"

Xi Hongxuan couldn't bring himself to laugh. "If Qi Huilian isn't an important figure, then Hai Liangyi is no rare gem! Lan Zhou, Lan Zhou, you've hidden him well! Taifu Yongyi personally tutoring him, ha! Do you expect him to become an emperor?"

"He's mad," Shen Zechuan pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away the dust leisurely, casting a glance at Xi Hongxuan. "Are you afraid of a madman?"

"I am!" Xi Hongxuan suddenly slammed down his teacup. "A madman taught a mad dog that bit me unprepared, leaving me bloodied and torn apart!"

The surrounding swords suddenly closed in.

Shen Zechuan scoffed. "Your words make no sense. If you want to kill me, at least let me die with understanding."

"Did you," Xi Hongxuan hissed, "conspire with Xiao Er to play a trick on me?"

The atmosphere in the room instantly froze, casting shadows across Shen Zechuan's profile. He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled, leaning on the edge of the table.

"Yes," he admitted.

Staring at Xi Hongxuan, Shen Zechuan's eyes were as dark as abyss, filled with both disdain and wicked charm.

"I dare to say it, do you dare to believe it?"