Chapter 280

Chapter 268: Bodhi (Part 1)

Xue Xiuyi's legs went weak. He leaned against the doorframe and slid to the ground, watching his wives and concubines hurriedly pack their belongings. He muttered to himself, "We can't leave... Jin Ge hasn't come back yet..."

Footsteps echoed outside the courtyard. The guard poked his head out and saw the imperial guards. His soul left his body in fear. The courtyard gate was slammed open, and as the guards rushed in, Xue Xiuyi waved his arms and exclaimed, "The officials have slandered me! I'm innocent!"

One of the new guards pulled out a tablet and a document from his chest. "This is the warrant from the Criminal Department and the Emperor's red seal," he said, scanning the yard. "Take everyone else away."

The guards roughly lifted Xue Xiuyi, who slipped on the ground, and stuffed a cloth in his mouth.

When Fu Man was imprisoned, the eunuchs withdrew their support, and Li Jianting replaced all the key personnel in the Palace Affairs Office that same night. The imperial guards knocked on doors without giving anyone a chance to argue. They acted even faster than when Li Jianting had been poisoned. Footsteps echoed throughout the palace, and numerous guards stood in the shadows by the walls. The eunuchs and palace maids, still on duty, were cautious with their words and actions, keeping their heads down and avoiding eye contact.

Xue Xiuzhuo hadn't slept. He stood by the window, draped in his robe, listening to the chaotic footsteps beyond the high walls. After the rain stopped, the clouds dispersed, casting a chilly moonlight over him. His profile was illuminated by the shadows of the bamboo in front of the window.

"Ahh." The mute boy roughly wiped his nose, urging Xue Xiuzhuo to rest.

Xue Xiuzhuo turned around and asked, "Is Jin Ge sleeping well?"

The mute boy nodded and pointed towards Xue Jin's room, grunting in response.

Xue Xiuzhuo said, "Go to sleep."

The mute lad refused. He used his hands to gesture, urging Xue Xiuzhuo to eat.

Xue Xiuzhuo remained silent, picking up a chess piece from the board with his fingers and examining it intently, as if pondering over something. Seeing that he didn't respond, the mute youth wore a helpless expression but didn't leave. Instead, he sat down by the door.

After a long while, Xue Xiuzhuo returned the chess piece to its container.

* * *

The following morning, after the court session, Xue Xiuzhuo awaited Li Jianting's audience in the Mingli Hall. Countless petitions had been submitted that day to impeach him. With Xue Xiuyi's imprisonment, the allegations of corruption and bribery were now irrefutably substantiated. Public rumors, like chameleons, shifted to align with the prevailing winds, resulting in a decline in the number of National Academy students extending invitations to Xue Xiuzhuo.

"It is utterly against the natural order for Xue Xiuzhuo to snatch another's child," the courtier knelt before the imperial desk. "Regardless of the circumstances, Xue Xiuyi is his elder brother by birthright. Your Majesty, throughout history, there has never been an instance of a younger half-brother seizing the position of the eldest legitimate son. Moreover, as the Imperial Tutor, he should set an example. His actions can only lead the people to disregard propriety and ignore familial ties."

Li Jianting closed the memorial and stated, "Xue Xiuyi indulges in concubines at the expense of his wife, covets wealth, and revels in extravagance. I believe that Xue Xiuzhuo's actions, on the contrary, demonstrate strict adherence to etiquette and are entirely appropriate, considering they are made in the best interest of the direct lineage of the Xue family."

This Censor was almost seventy, and as he knelt with trembling limbs, he continued, "This old official believes otherwise. If the elder brother makes a mistake, he can offer clear advice, he can admonish him. That is what it means to be a brother who respects and cares for his younger sibling..."

Having listened to a morning's worth of etiquette and doctrine, Li Jianting rose to his feet.

"…For a ruler to entrust capable people ensures prosperity, while relying on the incapable brings chaos. But who is deemed capable? One who distinguishes ranks, adheres to etiquette and law… Your Majesty, bitter medicine may cure, and honest counsel often displeases…"

Li Jianting hesitated, then sat back down.

After the rain, the sultry post-storm heat wilted the flowers in the courtyard. The censor took a moment's respite, sipping tea, and without waiting for Li Jianting to speak, continued his admonishments. Li Jianting remained seated from the morning court session until late afternoon.

The censor, having finished several cups of tea, spoke gently to Li Jianting, "Your Majesty, the more astute and enlightened one is, the more one must stay vigilant and receptive…" He smacked his lips, catching his breath, "For it is said that…"

"I have learned more from your words today than I would from ten years of reading," Li Jianting rose, personally assisting the man. The floral mole on her forehead accentuated her radiant countenance as she spoke amicably, "On another day, I would like to invite you to share these wise sayings with the students at the National Academy. It's getting late, and I see weariness on your face. Please retire for some rest now."

The orator walked, repeatedly saying "I dare not," and as he was about to exit, he added, "The wise avert disasters before they arise, Xue Xiuzhuo..."

Feng Quan, perceptive as always, bowed and offered his support, saying, "The floor in the hall can be slippery, Your Excellency. Allow this servant to assist you."

With Feng Quan's aid, the orator gradually disappeared from sight. The setting sun cast an orange glow on the potted plants in front of the Mingli Hall, also illuminating Li Jianting's golden hairpin with a radiant sheen. She turned sideways, observing Xue Xiuzhuo standing below the hall. His back was as chiseled as a blade, bearing the last rays of sunlight while his official robe blended into the fading glow, making it impossible for Li Jianting to discern his expression.

"Sir," Li Jianting lifted the beaded curtain with her hand, "Please come in."

Inside the Mingli Hall, no candles were lit, and there were no attendants present. Upon entering, Xue Xiuzhuo knelt before the imperial desk, but Li Jianting did not return to her throne. Instead, she stood by one side of the desk, studying the calligraphy and paintings on the walls.

"Xue Xiuyi's mistakes have nothing to do with you, Master," Li Jianting said. "If you've come to apologize, there's no need."

"Xue Xiuyi was involved in corruption and bribery. The Ministry of Justice attempted to apprehend the merchants from Juexi involved, but they came up empty-handed," Xue Xiuzhuo didn't prostrate himself like others; he knelt upright, as he did when teaching Li Jianting at home. "The Emperor has tasked the Duke of Military Affairs with handling this case, which has nothing to do with me."

"Recently, there have been countless impeachment memorials against you, listing over ten charges, yet you speak calmly and composedly," Li Jianting gazed at the painting. "I assume you foresaw this."

Xue Xiuzhuo replied, "In adversity, one seeks change."

The light in Mingli Hall faded, and both men were concealed in shadows. The palace lanterns hanging from the eaves outside were unlit, casting the entire royal palace into a slumber-like stillness. The grand palaces nestled in the faint light at the edge of the sky, devoid of bird songs or human voices.

"You once saved the Thirteen Cities alongside Jiang Qingshan and helped Hai Liangyi bring down Hua Siqian. You tirelessly investigated the land taxes in Eight Cities. No one understands the deep-rooted ailments of the aristocratic families better than you," Li Jianting traced his finger over the calligraphy, touching the imperial seal of Emperor Guangcheng. "Your persistence in pursuing debts despite opposition in court was to give me a chance to win over the old officials."

With Minister Han and the Empress Dowager falling from power, and the aristocratic families lacking successors, their vulnerability was already apparent. Xue Xiuzhuo understood this more than anyone else.

"You repeatedly submitted memorials requesting the revocation of the Fei family's old titles and the execution of their entire clan," Li Jianting's finger left an impression on the painting. "This has fueled the aristocrats' resentment towards you, giving me a chance to unite against a common enemy."

The Dan City Feis, Wu City Hans, and Di City Huas—Li Jianting, with the aid of the cabinet and Xue Xiuzhuo, had stripped these major aristocratic families of their power before and after his ascension. Now, pressured by Zhongbo's threats, they needed someone to bear the brunt of past enmities.

Li Jianting turned back and said, "You're willing to sacrifice yourself for your principles, helping me secure my reign over this vast kingdom."

The palace lanterns at the eaves were lit, casting a faint glow through the beaded curtains, illuminating fragments across Xue Xiuzhuo's slender back. His robe was worn, yet his posture remained unwavering, like an evergreen pine rooted in the silent capital, defying the winds. Gazing at the painting, he said, "To protect the kingdom, one must be willing to let go."

Those who hold power over the emperor and dominate the court are known as powerful ministers. They often wield great authority, disregard etiquette, and gather factions, making Hua Siqian such a figure. If Li Jianting were indecisive and weak like Emperor Xiande or Tianchen, Xue Xiuzhuo could have chosen the path of a powerful minister. But Li Jianting was not.

Perhaps the Great Zhou needed a gentle and mild emperor at times, but amidst the wolves circling here and now, if Li Jianting lacked the strength and resolve to lead, merely serving as a puppet controlled by courtiers, then he would not deserve this throne.

"Scholars advise on governance, while ministers manage state affairs. Yet, the Academy, though not part of the court, can still influence national policies. If the Academy's prestige relies solely on a single servant, it becomes a wolf that sways the king's decisions. Thus, this humble servant chooses to stand apart from all other officials," Xue Xiuzhuo's eyes held a tranquil calm. This serenity was not ordinary; it seemed rooted in foreknowledge, allowing him to remain steadfast, whether faced with stones or scorn.

Reputation might appear intangible, but it was crucial in forming factions. Hai Liangyi never openly formed alliances during his lifetime, nor did he entertain courtiers after returning home each day. However, did he truly have no faction? The convergence of the lower class, the alignment of the Academy, Yao Wenyu's ability to recruit talents for Shen Zechuan - all these contained Hai Liangyi's influence.

Xue Xiuzhuo, serving as the High Censor of the Ministry of Revenue, had consistently excelled in his evaluations. His achievements included rectifying the western territories during the Xiande era and revitalizing the thirteen cities, followed by his efforts in the Shengyin year to audit land taxes and return lands to the people. He had wielded this "reputation" skillfully and knew well the power of inciting public sentiment.

Li Jianting abruptly turned around and asked, "Don't you fear death, sir?"

Up until now, no one had dared to pose such a question to Xue Xiuzhuo. Gazing at Li Jianting, he replied, "A court official should be willing to die for the country."

To protect the country, one must be prepared to make sacrifices.

Xue Xiuzhuo was willing to do so; he was ready to forsake even his own life and reputation.

Li Jianting fell silent for a moment before responding, "I respect Lord Shen, and I am willing to make sacrifices."

---

"Excess does not reach its limit without turning back, and evil does not reach its peak without perishing."

Yao Wenyu scribbled swiftly, his handwriting careless. The room was littered with sheets of paper, and his hand holding the brush trembled slightly. Finally, he covered his mouth with a gasp as he set down the writing tool, coughing violently.

Timing, timing.

Qi Shiyu wished for the Qi family to continue Qi Zhuyin's title as the "Eastern Raging King." He was more cautious than Xiao Fangxu, patiently observing the situation up until now. With Shen Zechuan's victory in Duanzhou winning over the hearts of six provinces, to completely abandon the name Shen Wei, he must remain just and benevolent. Hence, even though Tan Taihu's Dunzhou garrison had arrived at the Northern Plain training ground, they could not be the first to initiate an attack. Moreover, as long as Qi Zhuyin did not move, the three hundred thousand Qidong garrison troops would remain a sharp blade on the southern border of Zhongbo.

Timing, timing.

The Marquis sought an opportunity to thoroughly eliminate any potential threats.

Yao Wenyu's coughs grew more urgent, and he put down his pen, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. Qiao Tianya had just arrived that night; dismounting his horse, he heard the coughing from within the courtyard.

"Has no medicine been prepared for Lord Yao?" Fei Sheng asked the servant girl in the yard.

"The master only consumed half a bowl," the maid replied softly, "and then stayed inside, asking not to be disturbed."

Qiao Tianya pushed open the door. Pages littered the rug, and Fei Sheng followed behind, bending down to pick them up. He was astonished to see the pages filled with text and exclaimed, "Is Master planning to write a book...?"

Qiao Tianya had already entered the inner chamber. Yao Wenyu's handkerchief was stained red. He forcefully pushed aside the wheelchair and scooped Yuan Zhuo up in his arms, addressing Fei Sheng, "Call Jianzi!"

When Yao Wenyu lifted his head, blood inexplicably started flowing from his nose. Qiao Tianya tore away his hand covering his mouth and nose, feeling a damp coolness.

It was late into the night, and Jianzi would have been asleep by now.

Qiao Tianya didn't dare to wait. Carrying Yao Wenyu, he leaped down the steps, rushing towards Jianzi's courtyard. Yao Wenyu's eyes were half-lidded, his cheek nestled against Qiao Tianya's chest as he murmured, "...Fei Sheng... send a message..."

Sweating profusely from running, Qiao Tianya covered Yao Wenyu's other cheek, as if trying to press Yuan Zhuo closer to his heart.

Fei Sheng reached the steps first, banging on the door and shouting, "Open up! Wake the little monk up!"

The doorman, not daring to delay, removed the bar and hurried to rouse Jianzi. Emerging in his monk's robe, Jianzi appeared drowsy, saying, "This little monk doesn't give consultations at night... Ah! What has happened to Master?!"

When Shen Zechuan arrived, it was nearly dawn. Dressed in a loose robe, he watched Yao Wenyu sleeping soundly in the inner chamber, gesturing for everyone to move to a side hall.

"Excessive worry shortens one's life," he said. "The poison that Master Shen has been inflicted with is called 'Delayed Return.' As the name suggests, it is the antithesis of 'Fierce Pursuit.' This venom arrives late and lingers for a long time—over a year, I presume?"

"It's been a year and a half," Fei Sheng recalled. "...Ever since that incident in Dan City."

Since put down his pen, clasped his hands together, and bowed to Shen Zechuan, honestly stating, "When I first met Master, there was already a greenish tinge on your wrist. Lord, this poison is similar to Fierce Pursuit, and I'm afraid I cannot save you."

Everyone in the side hall wore a changed expression.

* * *

In a daze, Yao Wenyu heard the sound of rain. In his deep sleep on Putuo Mountain, it seemed as if closing his eyes meant being immersed in an endless downpour. Mist shrouded the green bamboo grove, and when he faced the wind, his sleeves became stained with mud, leaving him damp, unsure if it was sweat or rain.

"One parting, one season has passed," came the rustling of bamboo behind him. Hai Liangyi stood afar. "Yuanzhuo has returned."

Yao Wenyu turned back. The breeze billowed his wide sleeves, and he called out, "Master."

Hai Liangyi stood with his hands behind his back, his short beard now streaked with white. He wasn't wearing an official robe, just as he had done when he led Yao Wenyu into school years ago. A writing pouch still hung at his waist. "I knew it was you by the sound of the wind," he said.

The roar of the bamboo forest was too loud, and Hai Liangyi's figure merged into it, leaving Yao Wenyu standing alone. Amidst the mountain mist, Yao Wenyu gazed afar at the dragon-and-phoenix palaces of Qui Capital. He had once climbed high to see the distant landscape at dusk, but it was only at this moment that he truly comprehended the vastness of heaven and earth.

"Master, wait for me a moment," Yao Wenyu said. "After the rain stops..."

The sound of the zither abruptly echoed, dispersing all scenes before Yao Wenyu's eyes. He found himself back on this bed, with half-closed windows blocking the sunlight. Upon opening his eyes, he didn't feel as if he had woken up; instead, it was like he had fallen into a dream. He closed his eyes several times before finally saying, "Songyue, it's already the hour of Si."

Qiao Tianya pressed down on the strings, saying, "You've been sleeping during the day and awake at night, getting confused. Aren't you usually calling me Qiao Tianya?"

Yao Wenyu replied, "Songyue in the cool of the night, Feng Quan fills the ears with clarity. This name is too lonely."

"I once had a friend named Shao Fengquan," Qiao Tianya plucked the strings, creating a scattered melody without forming a tune. "Unfortunately, he's no longer alive."

Hearing the disordered notes, Yao Wenyu said, "Did you both play the zither together?"

"I can't recall," Qiao Tianya said. "But the one who can play the zither for you is only I, Qiao Tianya."

Yao Wenyu looked at him and said, "Back when we first met in early spring, you hadn't finished teaching me the piece yet."

Qiao Tianya paused and gazed at Yao Wenyu. "It's not too late even now."