Chapter 22

Chapter 22

※

"Rumors..."

Ying Changchuan repeated the word.

His deliberately slowed speech concealed poorly hidden danger.

Alarm bells rang in Jiang Yuxun's mind.

With Ying Changchuan wielding absolute power, it was already difficult for the court officials to make their living under him, let alone inquire about his personal life in the harem.

The "rumors" he mentioned were inferred by people of later generations based on historical records.

No one in the Great Zhou would dare to spread such rumors...

After a pause, Ying Changchuan unexpectedly let out a soft laugh.

"What makes you think so?"

Moonlight spilled from behind the Emperor, casting a long shadow.

It enveloped Jiang Yuxun within its reach.

Ying Changchuan is really tall — Jiang Yuxun silently envied for a second, then immediately tossed aside this random thought.

He sniffed lightly and confessed truthfully, "I have been by Your Majesty’s side for over a month, dealing with official matters daily, and have never seen Your Majesty get close to anyone else, hence my curiosity..."

Jiang Yuxun felt extremely uneasy.

His intention was merely gossip, but his words could indeed be easily misunderstood as hinting at marriage.

...He wondered if he had unwittingly touched Ying Changchuan's sore spot.

Outside the window, the bright moon shone across thousands of miles.

Occasionally, the sound of cicadas echoed.

Naturally, Ying Changchuan would not disclose his private matters to his courtiers.

He slowly took a few steps forward, then suddenly stopped in front of Jiang Yuxun and asked, "Oh? How does My Minister view this matter?"

A faint scent of dragon's saliva fragrance, coupled with an undeniable sense of oppression, approached.

Just when Ying Changchuan thought the young man would say something about "the greatest filial piety is to produce offspring."

Jiang Yuxun unexpectedly bit his lip and said, "I believe it’s indeed not necessary."

Historically, Ying Changchuan did attempt to cultivate successors.

It was just that he passed away too soon, without finding a suitable candidate.

This had nothing to do with whether he had "worldly desires" at all!

...Most importantly, his private life is none of my business.

The Emperor raised his eyebrows slightly.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun also let out a sigh of relief.

His words were not yet finished: "...For instance, I already find it quite challenging to support myself, so in such a situation, there's even less need to think about such matters."

Having said this, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but silently praise himself in his mind.

—That was a smooth way of playing the poverty card!

Ying Changchuan neither agreed nor disagreed, smiling as he turned and walked back to the window.

The bright moon had unknowingly moved to the west; it was nearly the hour of Chou.

"It's late, my minister may retire now."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Jiang Yuxun immediately bowed to Ying Changchuan and quietly left the Chaoguang Hall.

That was close!

Not until he settled down in his temporary residence did Jiang Yuxun finally breathe a sigh of relief.

And he silently vowed in his heart: Never to gossip about Ying Changchuan again.

-

The scandal of the chief diviner embezzling funds for the river dike had already caused a huge uproar in the city.

Initially, some citizens were skeptical, but the next morning, the news of his suicide out of fear for his crimes spread like wildfire across Zhaodu.

Shang You acted swiftly to remedy the situation, generously donating thousands of taels of silver.

Yet, this was still not enough to quell the public's anger.

At noon, the chief diviner’s coffin was taken out of the Xuantong Gate by a horse-drawn carriage.

The public, having somehow received news of this, had gathered early, creating an impressive sight.

The moment they saw the coffin, the crowd erupted into noise:

"Pah! Does he even deserve the white jade coffin used by past chief diviners? In my opinion, such a person should be cremated and his ashes scattered!"

"How could someone like him be called a 'chief diviner'? Such a disgrace, he has completely tarnished the century-old reputation of the Lingtian Platform—"

Although this is Zhaodu, who in the city doesn’t have relatives or friends living by the Yi River?

As the carriage passed by, someone angrily said:

"...No wonder the embankments of the Yi River broke so easily, the money for the dike repairs actually ended up in his hands? If it weren’t for Master Jiang, my entire family would have died by now!"

Some of the more furious onlookers cursed while rushing towards the coffin.

Had it not been for the imperial guards holding them back, they might have already overturned the chief diviner’s coffin.

"Make way, make way!"

The imperial guards moved forward, clearing the path, every step taken with great difficulty.

Just then, a citizen carrying a wooden bucket suddenly rushed forward.

"Stop—"

The imperial guards immediately reached out to stop him, but although they caught the man, they failed to prevent him from splashing a bucket of slop onto the white jade coffin.

The foul and pungent odor instantly filled the entire street.

The citizens covered their noses, yet no one scolded the person who threw the slop; instead, they found it satisfying.

"...This white jade coffin can't be nailed shut, it can only be closed. I'm afraid the slop has already seeped in through the cracks."

Upon saying this, a burst of laughter erupted among the crowd.

Though it didn't completely alleviate their resentment, such a dirty coffin was what he deserved!

The slop pooled on the ground.

Those following couldn't avoid stepping in it.

As they neared the slop, a shaman couldn't help but lower his voice to ask Shang You:

"...Great Diviner, perhaps you should ride in the carriage instead?"

Shang You remained composed, gently shaking his head: "No need."

To demonstrate his stance, Shang You, for the first time today, did not ride in a carriage but walked with all the shamans following the white jade coffin towards the Lingtian Platform.

As they spoke, they were approaching the slop.

Shang You stepped into it as if he hadn't seen the filth on the ground, his gaze unwavering.

The sticky, slippery sensation transmitted through the sole of his shoe.

Despite holding his breath in time, he couldn't avoid inhaling a nauseating stench.

As they passed through the street, he overheard two people saying:

"...Look, that's the junior diviner."

Another person disdainfully remarked, "What about the Lesser Diviner? Just like the head, the feet follow; who knows if he hasn’t embezzled a fortune like that old man?"

"I heard the Lesser Diviner is actually quite decent."

"Hmph, appearances can be deceiving. I certainly won’t be fooled a second time."

Shang You noticed that today, on the streets of Zhao Du, the common people’s gaze towards him lacked the usual respect and admiration.

Instead, there was a newfound hatred and contempt he had never seen before…

The Lesser Diviner, dressed in a lead-white ceremonial robe, slowly walked along the street.

Wastewater splashed instantly with every step, leaving the hem of the robe stained and emanating an unavoidable stench that couldn't be dispersed.

……

Staying for a night in Yuyang Palace was bearable, but any longer was intolerable.

Early tomorrow morning, the courtiers and officials would return to the temporary palace.

Finally having half a day of leisure, Jiang Yuxun had planned to rest.

But he was called out by Zhuang Youli, who lives in Zhao Du, to join the crowd on the street.

"Look, Ah Xun!" Zhuang Youli tugged at Jiang Yuxun’s sleeve, "Shang You actually walked through it!"

Jiang Yuxun disdainfully said: "He sure has put on a complete show."

"If he can endure this, why didn't he give the chief diviner a more ordinary coffin? The people are saying the chief diviner doesn't deserve a white jade coffin," Zhuang Youli curiously asked.

The procession of the Lingtian Platform was drawing closer.

Jiang Yuxun stepped back a few paces and finally shook his head gently.

He did not answer Zhuang Youli's question, but he already had an answer in his mind.

The chief diviner was not the type to commit suicide out of fear.

Without guessing, it was clear that Shang You must have taken action to eliminate him.

Shang You, arrogant and conceited by nature, though he could kill the chief diviner for the reputation and glory of the Lingtian Platform, deep down he still believed in the sanctity of the diviner’s role, distinct from ordinary people.

Therefore, he naturally wouldn’t allow the chief diviner to be demeaned by using an ordinary coffin.

As the coffin was about to be pulled in front of them by the carriage, Jiang Yuxun was preparing to call Zhuang Youli to leave.

But just as he turned around, a citizen suddenly shouted loudly: "Jiang, Master Jiang?"

"Master Jiang Yuxun is here!"

Jiang Yuxun: !!!

By the time he reacted, he was already surrounded by the crowd.

The streets of Zhaodu suddenly erupted into chaos.

Whether it was the citizens questioning the Lingtian Platform and the junior diviner or those simply thinking the chief diviner “spoiled the whole broth,” everyone began to shout Jiang Yuxun's name, raising their arms high.

From the corner of his eye, Shang You saw—

The young man in a blue long shirt, surrounded by the crowd.

The people loudly thanked him, and he tirelessly helped those kneeling on the ground to stand up, one by one.

"Great Diviner..." a shaman hesitated to speak, wanting to say something.

Shang You diverted his gaze and interrupted: "Let's go."

He gradually clenched the ritual instrument in his hand tighter, not releasing his grip even as his palm began to hurt.

"Yes, Great Diviner."

The shaman immediately fell silent and stepped back.

It took Shang You and his entourage a full two hours to return to the Lingtian Platform.

The carriage dragged the white jade coffin up to Mount Yueqiao, making a grating "squeak" noise as it moved.

Upon reaching here, everyone thought they could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But unexpectedly, the outside of the Lingtian Platform was already surrounded by hundreds of citizens.

—And all were the most outraged ones.

As they appeared, someone immediately cursed and approached them, spitting out fiercely, "What Ting Tian Pavilion? Not only did we not receive Xuan Tian's protection, but we were almost killed by you!"

After leaving Zhao, the imperial guards escorting Shang You back to Ting Tian Pavilion had greatly diminished.

In the midst of speaking, the crowd had already surged to the entrance of Ting Tian Pavilion.

"Hypocrites! If you have money to donate to the court, why don't you return all the money we've contributed to Ting Tian Pavilion over the years—"

"Exactly!"

"Spit it out, give back the wealth you’ve extorted from the people!"

The imperial guards stepped forward, trying to keep the crowd at bay.

Shang You paused in his steps, seemingly ignoring the curses from the commoners, and continued towards the main entrance of Ting Tian Pavilion amidst the jeers.

The white jade coffin was dragged into the courtyard, and at the moment the dark stone doors closed shut, he could no longer contain his anger, and with a fierce motion, he slammed the jade ritual implement to the ground.

"Bang—"

The implement shattered into pieces upon impact.

Seeing this, the sorcerers all knelt down: "Divination Master, please calm your anger—"

"...Calm my anger?"

Shang You, who had just stepped into the jasmine bushes, gritted his teeth and halted, then suddenly laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

He slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The jasmine in the Listening Sky Pavilion was in full bloom.

The fragrance was intense and overwhelming.

— Yet, even so, the scent could not mask the foul stench clinging to his robes.

That putrid smell was like a shadow, inseparable.

It was impossible for him to ignore.

※

The next morning, the Emperor led the officials back to Xianyou Palace.

This time, Ying Changchuan did not ride a horse, but chose to travel in a carriage.

— His decision was not for rest, but rather to utilize the time to process memorials.

Jiang Yuxun was originally supposed to follow on horseback, but later he too was called into the carriage to work overtime.

...This is even worse than riding a horse!

In the carriage, the young man silently sighed and began organizing the newly received memorials.

After flipping through two books, Jiang Yuxun's movements suddenly halted.

The newly received memorial stated:

"Although the Prime Minister is inevitably facing death, the investigation must continue."

The Xuan Yin Jail had taken him to the imperial prison the night before.

The agitated public had gathered early along the roadside.

They might give some "face" to the Listening Sky Pavilion, but would show no mercy to the subordinates of the Prime Minister.

Amidst the chaos in the streets, someone wielding a sharp weapon attempted to attack the Prime Minister.

Fortunately, the head of the Xuan Yin Monitors reacted in time, blocking the strike and saving the Prime Minister's life last night.

After finishing, Jiang Yuxun highlighted key points on the document and folded it into the pile marked "Not Urgent to Read" next to Ying Changchuan.

……

Work is important, but so is protecting one's eyesight.

To relieve fatigue, Jiang Yuxun would occasionally glance outside the carriage window while sorting the documents.

After repeating this a few times and realizing Ying Changchuan hadn't noticed his small actions, Jiang Yuxun quietly opened a document with dense text, pretending to read seriously, to sneak in a little relaxation.

Unexpectedly, within a minute, the Emperor looked down at the document in Jiang Yuxun's hands: "Is there a problem with that document?"

"Ah?" Jiang Yuxun was startled and said, "…There shouldn't be any problem, I guess?"

Joking, I wasn't even looking at it!

Jiang Yuxun then focused his attention, forcing himself to read the text on the document as quickly as possible.

After a few glances, he realized:

The document he had picked up randomly was about the plans and budget for dike repairs.

Without waiting for Ying Changchuan to ask, Jiang Yuxun immediately looked up and said, "Uh… I believe that this time, the dike repairs should not be carried out as usual, merely rebuilding and reinforcing the existing dike."

The Emperor asked as if he hadn't noticed his distraction: "Why is that."

The official road was built alongside the river.

Outside the window was the now calm Yi River.

Jiang Yuxun slowly shifted his gaze onto the Yi River.

Ying Changchuan also looked out of the carriage following Jiang Yuxun’s gaze.

Rivers on the plains are unrestrained, often winding in their course, and the Yi River was no exception.

From where Jiang Yuxun sat, looking out the window, he could see an "S"-shaped sharp bend in the river.

After observing for a few moments, the young man withdrew his gaze:

"Your Majesty, the Yi River is winding. In case of a sudden flood peak, the water can easily fail to navigate the turn and burst straight out of the riverbed. This factor contributed to the recent dike breach."

Ying Changchuan nodded slowly, showing a hint of interest in his eyes.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun continued: "The water volume of the Yi River is substantial, yet it has never been navigable for thousands of years. Apart from previous dynasties paying little attention to river management and rarely dredging the riverbed, it's also because of its relatively tortuous course, unfavorable for navigation."

By this point, Ying Changchuan had already guessed Jiang Yuxun's intention.

He put down the document in his hand and looked out towards the river again: "What does my minister suggest?"

Jiang Yuxun took a deep breath and stated his ultimate proposal: "I believe the court could take this opportunity to artificially straighten the river’s course. This would not only facilitate flood discharge and reduce the risk of the Yi River breaking its banks but also make it navigable."

After speaking, his heart began to pound heavily.

Silence filled the carriage.

After a few seconds, Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but add: "...In doing so, the flow rate of the Yi River would also increase, naturally deepening its course, making it navigable without the need for artificial dredging."

According to the original history, what Jiang Yuxun proposed would only be implemented centuries later.

During this period, the Yi River had flooded countless times...

In fact, the idea had first occurred to Jiang Yuxun during his initial inspection of the riverbank before the breach.

Now he had finally found the opportunity to express it all at once.

He couldn't help but look at Ying Changchuan with anticipation.

Thump, thump—

The Yi River flowed gently.

After speaking, the only sounds Jiang Yuxun could hear were the murmur of the water and his own heartbeat.

Why hasn't Ying Changchuan made a statement yet?

Seeing that the other party still remained silent, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but tempt him with something he was most interested in: "The Yi River flows eastward and eventually merges into the Chen River, the largest river in our dynasty, known for its developed navigation and numerous tributaries."

"If the Yi River could be made navigable and connected to the Chen River, it could be used in the future to transport grain and provisions from north to south, and also to deploy troops to various prefectures downstream at the fastest speed."

By then, residing in Zhaodu, one could firmly grasp the entire empire in their hands!

"Your Majesty?"

Finally, Ying Changchuan shifted his gaze back.

Jiang Yuxun saw his own reflection in those smoky gray eyes.

Just as he was on edge, Ying Changchuan finally spoke: "Put it in a report and submit it to the imperial court."

Water conservancy projects involve huge expenditures and bring benefits for generations; they certainly can't be decided in just a few words.

Writing a report meant that the Emperor had included it in the agenda for discussion.

Jiang Yuxun: !!!

Ying Changchuan was indeed moved.

Jiang Yuxun's eyes lit up instantly: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Ying Changchuan's gaze returned to the window once more.

The Yi River flowed quietly eastward, beyond the thousand miles of fertile fields lay the rolling Chen River...

The Emperor slowly closed his eyes.

At this moment, his emotions, too, were momentarily stirred like the waves.

Then they rippled outwards in circles.

-

Traveling by carriage was much slower than riding a horse directly.

Before reaching the Xianyou Palace, Jiang Yuxun had already finished sorting all the documents.

Seeing Ying Changchuan still carefully reviewing the documents, Jiang Yuxun, having completed his work, finally felt justified in turning his gaze out the window.

The riverbank was sandy, a type of soil most people would use for growing fragrant melons.

At this point, the carriage had reached the upper reaches of the Yi River.

This area had suffered less damage, and some of the fragrant melon fields were unaffected.

As they passed by the melon fields, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but take a few gentle sniffs.

The aroma of the melons wasn't strong, but perhaps due to his craving, the young man thought he detected a faint sweetness.

—It smelled so good.

In his previous life, Jiang Yuxun wasn't particularly interested in melons.

But now, with limited fruit choices available, he had grown to love this fruit, just like the nobles of the Great Zhou.

He had been too busy lately to think about such trivialities.

Now, seeing the melon fields outside the carriage, he finally felt a longing for them.

Didn't Ying Changchuan have a craving for this too?

...If only the carriage could stop here!

Gazing out the window, Jiang Yuxun didn't notice that Ying Changchuan had already finished reviewing a document.

At the same time, he had turned his attention to Jiang Yuxun.

"What is my minister looking at?"

Jiang Yuxun stiffened and turned silently to face Ying Changchuan: "Replying to Your Majesty, I was just looking at the melon fields outside."

The Emperor looked slightly puzzled: "Looking at melons?"

"Yes... I was thinking of getting off the carriage to buy one."

Jiang Yuxun didn't realize that his eyes were filled with anticipation at that moment.

Ah, how embarrassing.

Although he maintained a normal expression, he was extremely embarrassed inside.

Ying Changchuan, despite being the Emperor, had kept a low profile on this trip, without displaying any royal pomp.

...But all the civil and military officials were following on horseback!

What would they think if he got off the carriage now to buy melons?

Just as Jiang Yuxun was trying to think of how to change the topic, he saw the Emperor lower his gaze back to the documents, flipping through them while casually saying, "Go ahead."

Go ahead?

Was Ying Changchuan serious or just joking...

Jiang Yuxun stood frozen in place, torn.

...He really wanted to get off the carriage, but the situation didn't seem to allow it.

After a few moments, seeing Jiang Yuxun still motionless, Ying Changchuan couldn't help but look up at him again: "Why hasn't my minister gone yet?"

"I... I don't have any money on me," Jiang Yuxun said sorrowfully.

Ying Changchuan's hand holding the pen paused unusually.

An uncommon stain appeared on the usually neat documents.

-

The procession halted along with the Emperor's carriage.

Eunuch Sang, all smiles, accompanied Jiang Yuxun to the melon field.

"Master Jiang, how do you like this melon?"

"...It's fine," the young man replied with evident difficulty.

"Great, we'll take this one then!"

After saying this, Eunuch Sang plucked the melon from the vine.

After handing it to Jiang Yuxun, he took out some coins and placed them by the vine.

Eunuch Sang was extremely generous.

He didn't consider the actual worth of the melons.

...After all, it wasn't his money he was spending, but Ying Changchuan's.

Not satisfied with just one, Eunuch Sang continued to rummage through the vines while speaking.

Finally coming to his senses, Jiang Yuxun stepped forward to stop him: "That’s enough, one is already plenty."

"Eh, how can that be!" Eunuch Sang stood up, glanced at Jiang Yuxun, then whispered a reminder, "Master Jiang, you mustn’t think only of yourself, remember the Emperor too. His Majesty let you get off the carriage; surely he wants to share the joy with everyone. Am I right?"

Speechless, Jiang Yuxun could only nod in agreement: "Right."

After speaking, Eunuch Sang bent down again and carefully searched through the melon field.

He was particularly patient with such tasks.

After a while, Eunuch Sang finally picked what he considered a "perfect" melon, washed it with water he carried, quickly sliced it, and then handed it to Jiang Yuxun.

"All set, Master Jiang, you can take it up now."

Jiang Yuxun's wrist sank, and as he spoke, the melon was already cradled in his hands: "Thank you, Eunuch Sang."

"It's no trouble at all!"

As they spoke, the cheerful Eunuch Sang, under the watchful eyes of the officials, stepped forward and helped the young man into the carriage.

As Jiang Yuxun boarded, his view momentarily darkened, and by the time he realized, he was already in the carriage.

By this time, Ying Changchuan had stopped reviewing the documents.

Instead, he was leaning back inside the carriage, his eyes half-closed, gazing toward the distant Yi River.

He seemed to be in a good mood.

Jiang Yuxun let out a sigh of relief.

He carefully approached and placed the melon, sliced by Eunuch Sang, in front of Ying Changchuan.

Ying Changchuan was very particular about his food and attire.

Even a simple melon had to be cut into small pieces.

Moreover, Eunuch Sang had meticulously peeled off the skin near the rind, leaving only the most succulent part.

Ying Changchuan casually picked up a piece with a silver pick.

Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but steal a few more glances—

He wondered how the melon, carefully selected by Eunuch Sang, tasted.

He thought he was being discreet with his glances.

But to his surprise, the next moment, Ying Changchuan's fingers paused.

He turned his gaze towards Jiang Yuxun: "What is it?"

As he spoke, his eyes met Jiang Yuxun's, which had brightened with curiosity.

Jiang Yuxun paused for a moment, then couldn't resist blinking and asking, "Is it sweet, Your Majesty?"

Author's note:

Jiang Yuxun: His private life is none of my business.