Chapter 26

Chapter 26

The members of the Xuan Yin Monitor stood up and bowed, not daring to breathe too loudly.

For a moment, the only sound in Jiang Yuxun's ears was the faint "sizzle" from the burning incense.

He was slow to realize he should stand up, but before he could move, he heard Yingshang Chuan say indifferently, "At ease."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Xuan Yin Monitor immediately stood and returned to their original positions.

Perhaps the shock and confusion in Jiang Yuxun's eyes were too apparent.

Yingshang Chuan directly raised an eyebrow and asked him, "Does my minister have a question for me?"

Jiang Yuxun involuntarily responded, "...May I ask when Your Majesty arrived at the estate?"

"A moment before the incense stick burned out."

It's cooled down.

Did he hear everything I said?

Excessive pride invites rain, excessive arrogance breeds disaster.

...Why was I muttering about Yingshang Chuan behind his back, even saying I missed him?

At this moment, Jiang Yuxun wished time could reverse.

"I understand now..."

Yingshang Chuan was not just on time.

He was actually early!

Jiang Yuxun knew that Yingshang Chuan would definitely come to the farm to personally inspect the newly developed agricultural tools.

But he never expected him to come tonight...

With this thought, Jiang Yuxun instinctively looked around, trying to find out who was so eager to inform Yingshang Chuan of this development.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, everyone from the Xuan Yin Monitor nervously lowered their heads.

...Traitors!

Although the farm's chef had stood up with the others, he dared not continue his cooking with the Emperor standing there.

Suddenly, Jiang Yuxun caught a whiff of a faint burning smell...

If we keep standing here, all the meat will get burned.

"I wonder if Your Majesty would honor us by joining the table?"

Ying Changchuan did not directly answer but instead asked him, "Did my official wish for me to come?"

“……”

Is Ying Changchuan deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?

At this moment, everyone thought Jiang Yuxun would nod and invite the Emperor to join the banquet.

Even the estate’s steward was ready to set up a table, silently recalling where the valuable dinnerware was kept.

Yet, Jiang Yuxun recklessly responded, "...Not really."

The night breeze passed by, making the bonfire flicker.

The intense burnt smell was carried by the wind to everyone’s noses, momentarily causing dizziness.

After responding to Ying Changchuan's question, Jiang Yuxun quickly tried to make amends: "Today’s feast is too simple and unworthy. Next time, I will prepare early to welcome Your Majesty properly."

Upon hearing this, the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Although Jiang Yuxun's first response was overly blunt, his follow-up was somewhat redeeming.

"Alright."

Ying Changchuan finally started walking away.

Jiang Yuxun, back in the light, felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.

Just as he thought Ying Changchuan had finished his courtesy, he saw the Emperor suddenly stop, turn around with a smile, and look at him: "I’ll remember this."

Jiang Yuxun: ...!

I was just being polite, but the way he responded... did Ying Changchuan take it seriously?

The Emperor’s visit to the Jiang family wasn’t just for a meal.

After teasing Jiang Yuxun a bit, Ying Changchuan finally left the Xuan Yin Monastery members behind to tour the estate alone.

The remaining group of ‘traitors’ ate without relish.

After quietly finishing the meat and fish prepared by Jiang Yuxun, they quickly left the table to reflect on their actions.

Jiang Yuxun, with heavy steps and a dazed expression, followed closely behind Ying Changchuan into the estate.

-

The full moon hung in the sky, illuminating the land as if it were daylight.

Despite the late hour, people in the estate were still hurriedly planting summer crops.

When Jiang Yuxun arrived, Ying Changchuan was standing on higher ground, overlooking the fields in the moonlight.

Before Jiang Yuxun could approach to salute the Emperor, people from the distant fields noticed and started converging towards them.

“Master Jiang!”

“—Why has Master Jiang come to the fields so late again?”

The people of the estate didn't recognize Ying Changchuan. As they approached, they couldn’t help but ask curiously, “...And who is this with Master Jiang?”

The Emperor, dressed simply and visiting late at night, clearly didn’t want too many to know his identity.

Jiang Yuxun quickly responded, “This is my... uh, superior from the court.”

The title of 'Imperial Secretary' seemed too minor; anyone randomly picked from the court could be considered his 'superior,' so no one thought much of it.

“I see—”

"So he’s a friend of Master Jiang!"

Wait a minute, that can’t be said carelessly!

"He's not..." Jiang Yuxun instinctively wanted to clarify, but then he saw Ying Changchuan raise an eyebrow at him.

Seeing this, he immediately swallowed the rest of his words.

—Not a friend, but visiting in the middle of the night? Wouldn’t that be even stranger?

"Master Jiang, try this! It’s already washed," a woman interjected, thrusting a peach into Jiang Yuxun’s hand from her bamboo basket, "I picked it this evening, intending for you to taste it, but Steward Liu said you had gone to rest."

"Yes! Master Jiang, please taste it and tell us how it is?"

The recent rains had caused fine cracks in the peach’s skin, detracting from its appearance.

The high-ranking officials and nobles of the Great Zhou only consumed the finest of fruits and vegetables, and would never consider such blemished produce.

But Jiang Yuxun didn’t mind at all, taking a bite of the peach under the expectant gazes of the crowd: "Sweet and juicy, it tastes good."

Everyone around him then burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, the woman reached into her basket again, seemingly intending to hand another peach to Ying Changchuan.

Jiang Yuxun: !!!

"Give it to me, I'll hold it."

He quickly stepped forward to take it on behalf of the Emperor.

The moonlight cast a bright glow on their faces.

Although they were slender and simply dressed, they all had ruddy complexions and bright eyes.

Ying Changchuan suddenly asked, "Are you the Jiang family's servants?"

The Emperor’s presence commanded innate authority; his question instantly made everyone around tense.

The woman with the basket hurriedly shook her head, answering cautiously, “No, my lord, we are not servants but employees of the Jiang family.”

Her tone was earnest, even carrying a hint of pride.

"Employees" differed from "servants"; although also attached to the estate, they were not strictly subordinate and retained their status as free citizens.

At this, the other employees around became visibly excited: “We were refugees from another county, captured and enslaved. We were facing certain death, but then Master Jiang saved us and brought us back home…”

Finishing her words, she couldn’t help but turn away to discreetly wipe her tears, “It’s thanks to Master Jiang and His Majesty that we have our lives today!”

"The Emperor?" Ying Changchuan's brow furrowed slightly, "What does he have to do with this?"

His tone was somewhat indifferent, showing no particular emotion.

Surprisingly, upon hearing this, the people around became serious: “My lord, you must not say so. If it weren’t for His Majesty, we too would have been lost.”

"Master Jiang once said that he alone couldn’t have saved us all. If we are to be grateful, we must also remember the Emperor and the Xuan Yin Monastery he personally trained.”

The employees were emotional, tears welling up in their eyes as they spoke with genuine sentiment.

Moonlight, like flowing water, cascaded over the rolling hills, vegetation, and houses.

It cast a soft, luminous glow over everything.

It also illuminated the slightly reddened tips of Jiang Yuxun’s ears.

Ying Changchuan paused for a few seconds, then averted his gaze.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Jiang Yuxun, under the watchful eyes of the employees while eating the peach, couldn't help but start coughing.

Wait, why are they revealing everything?!

So much had happened over the past month, Jiang Yuxun almost forgot he had said such things.

Though the logic was sound, saying it in front of Ying Changchuan felt somewhat odd.

Jiang Yuxun looked up at the sky, quickly changing the subject, “It’s getting late, you all should head back to rest. Come back tomorrow morning to continue.”

Then he added, “Oh, and leave the agricultural tools out for now. This gentleman with me wants to take a closer look.”

The employees exchanged glances, realizing the young master intended to discuss important matters with the gentleman beside him, “Then, Master Jiang, we’ll take our leave. Don’t forget to rest early tonight.”

“Alright, take care on your way back,” Jiang Yuxun replied with a smile.

“Yes, Master Jiang!”

The servants promptly put down what they were doing, and some even hurriedly fetched a brand-new plough and Li Dao from a nearby storehouse.

After finishing their tasks, they said their farewells again and headed towards the new courtyard built for them within the farm.

In a blink, only Jiang Yuxun and Yingshang Chuan were left.

-

...Sigh.

Standing in front of the Emperor, Jiang Yuxun finally let out a long breath after silently finishing a peach.

He tossed the peach pit into a nearby bamboo basket and carefully wiped his hands with a handkerchief.

At the same time, Yingshang Chuan picked up a disassembled Li Dao and slowly ran his fingers over its sharp edge.

"The knife in Your Majesty's hand is called 'Li Dao.' It has a sharp blade and a thicker back. When mounted on a plough, it can cut through wild grass and till the soil at the same time," Jiang Yuxun explained, stepping forward.

The Emperor slowly nodded, squinting his eyes towards the distance: "Ordinary farms cultivate at most a third or a fourth of their land, but the Jiang family's farm has cultivated more than half." He then slowly walked towards the furrows in the field.

Moonlight poured down from the sky.

Unknowingly, it was deep into the night, and all around was silent.

Between heaven and earth, it seemed only the two of them remained.

Jiang Yuxun walked alongside Yingshang Chuan, his voice instinctively softer: "...In the coming years, the world will undoubtedly be in turmoil again."

Carving out the Yi River and constructing irrigation canals is a major project.

A moment's inattention could lead to exhausting the people and wasting resources, leaving a legacy of errors.

As he spoke, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but glance at Yingshang Chuan with a slightly guilty conscience.

Contrary to expectations, the Emperor was not angry but even nodded in agreement with a smile.

Jiang Yuxun relaxed immediately, "Most of Great Zhou's land is difficult to cultivate and is left barren. To ensure peace and stability, it's essential for the people to have a place to live and food to eat. In my opinion, if the wastelands could be cultivated, the empire would be better equipped to withstand upheavals."

Yingshang Chuan suddenly stopped walking: "With just plows and Li knives?"

"Of course not," Jiang Yuxun no longer kept him in suspense, "From land reclamation and tilling to irrigation and harvesting, each step needs improvement. Moreover, these two farming tools have just been made and need further testing before they can be finalized and promoted."

He carefully lifted his eyes, with a hint of expectation, "Therefore, I hope the court can provide some assistance..."

The moment of truth!

Jiang Yuxun silently commended himself in his heart.

As expected, Yingshang Chuan looked at him with a half-smile, "What does my minister want?"

Jiang Yuxun straightforwardly stated, "Manpower and financial resources."

A sudden silence fell over the surroundings.

Yingshang Chuan did not respond immediately but said softly, "My official indeed never stands on ceremony with me."

Jiang Yuxun laughed awkwardly.

I intended to.

But I'm truly powerless to do anything about it...!

※

Wandering through the farm's connected ridges and houses, Jiang Yuxun and Yingshang Chuan conversed as they walked, unknowingly returning to the courtyard.

It was only then that Jiang Yuxun remembered a crucial question... Where would Yingshang Chuan stay tonight?

The General who Conquered the South is stationed in Lanzhe County and rarely returns to Zhao Du.

Although the Jiang family's farm is extensive, it is entirely unassociated with the word "luxurious."

...It's even a bit rudimentary.

The only decent house is the main house where Jiang Yuxun lives.

But no matter what, it is just a common flat house of this era with a 'one hall and two rooms' structure.

Having the Emperor stay over seems far too modest.

"It's already midnight," Jiang Yuxun stopped and looked at Yingshang Chuan, "Your Majesty, perhaps you should rest early today."

Yingshang Chuan, always so particular, surely wouldn't be accustomed to such a place.

The Jiang family's farm is located near Zhao Du, and he is likely to return to Yuyang Palace in Zhao Du for the night.

"Hmm."

What does "Hmm" mean?

Jiang Yuxun paused mid-step, suddenly feeling an ominous premonition.

...Why hasn't Yingshang Chuan summoned the Xuan Yin Monitor to return to the capital yet?

The Emperor stood in the courtyard, looking around, and then naturally lowered his gaze to ask, "Where shall I stay?"

Jiang Yuxun's eyes widened: "Isn't Your Majesty returning to Yuyang Palace in Zhao Du?"

Yingshang Chuan smiled and shook his head, repeating Jiang Yuxun's earlier words: "It's already midnight."

Jiang Yuxun began to question his life choices... Was Yingshang Chuan's usual fastidiousness all an act?

"Is my official troubled?"

Jiang Yuxun bit his lip lightly: "To be honest, only my dwelling in this farm is barely presentable. The other houses are too rudimentary, perhaps... not suitable for receiving Your Majesty."

Yingshang Chuan shook his head and said softly, "No matter."

Jiang Yuxun: "..."

Fortunately, the common house with a "one hall and two rooms" structure had two bedrooms.

Jiang Yuxun's room, though not luxurious, was spacious enough, and one of the rooms had not been used since it was renovated.

After a simple tidy-up by the Xuan Yin Monitor, the room was ready for habitation.

Jiang Yuxun intended to leave to find somewhere else to spend the night, but Yingshang Chuan's few words effectively cut off his retreat, leaving him no choice but to obediently stay in the other bedroom.

The thought of Yingshang Chuan being in the next room made Jiang Yuxun uncomfortable no matter how he tried to lie down.

In the early hours, unable to sleep and tossing and turning, he suddenly opened his eyes and climbed out of bed.

He then ground ink by moonlight and wrote the words "Be Prudent in Words and Deeds" in large characters, sticking them above his bed.

-

"…Young Master, are you awake? Someone has come to the farm looking for you!"

The next morning, before dawn, a knock on the bedroom door echoed from outside.

Jiang Yuxun, who had just managed to fall asleep, turned over groggily and mumbled, "…Who is it?"

"A man named Yin Songquan."

Yin Songquan!

Hearing this name, Jiang Yuxun instantly became fully alert.

He immediately got up: "Wait a moment, I'll be right there after washing up and getting dressed."

"Yes, Lord Jiang."

When Jiang Yuxun left yesterday, he had told Yin Songquan that he would be staying at the farm for the next few days.

He asked him to come directly here once he had made up his mind.

He hadn't expected Yin Songquan to arrive so early in the morning.

……

The Emperor's presence at the Jiang family's farm was kept confidential by the Xuan Yin Monitor.

Most people on the farm were unaware of this.

Therefore, the household steward directly led Yin Songquan, who had come with documents, into the main hall.

After washing up and fully awakening, Jiang Yuxun suddenly realized a very serious issue—Yingshang Chuan was in the next room!

Damn, he wasn't woken up by the knocking just now, was he?

"Mr. Yin..."

Just as Jiang Yuxun was about to invite the other party to another room for a detailed discussion, Yin Songquan, having made up his mind overnight, eagerly stepped forward: "Lord Jiang, I've made up my mind. If the Yi River is indeed to be dredged, I will contribute my part!"

Saying so, he handed over the documents.

Jiang Yuxun casually flipped through them and discovered—the previously half-completed renovation plan had been substantially filled out by him.

Looking up, he saw Yin Songquan with two huge dark circles under his eyes, likely having stayed up all night to finish the work.

"Good," Jiang Yuxun quickly nodded, smiling at him, "With Mr. Yin's words, I'm reassured. If everything goes smoothly, the project should start soon. If you don’t mind, you can stay at the Jiang residence for the time being. If you wish to go near the river for calculations, ask the Xuan Yin Monitor to escort you."

Yin Songquan's home conditions were quite modest.

Focusing on the renovation plan was a top priority recently, demanding undivided attention.

Yin Songquan nodded repeatedly.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as he was about to send someone to take Yin Songquan to rest and have breakfast, he saw Yin hesitating and somewhat embarrassedly asking: "Lord Jiang, the last matter you mentioned yesterday, does it still stand?"

...The last matter mentioned?

Jiang Yuxun was momentarily stunned before realizing what Yin Songquan meant—settling matters with Yingshang Chuan.

"Of course," Jiang Yuxun said with a guilty glance towards the other bedroom, while subtly pushing Yin Songquan towards the door, "You must be exhausted from your journey from the Yi River. How about I join you for breakfast first?"

Unexpectedly, Yin Songquan, though lean, proved immovable.

He waved his hand, declining: "It's still early, we can go after discussing the important matters."

Seeing that they were alone, Yin Songquan gradually relaxed: "To be honest, my biggest worry about taking on this project is His Majesty's side. As you know, people say about the Emperor that..."

Yin Songquan, are you and I both courting death?

"No!" Jiang Yuxun quickly interrupted.

He looked seriously into Yin Songquan's eyes, stating emphatically: "His Majesty is actually quite approachable in general."

Yin Songquan looked at Jiang Yuxun with confusion: "...But I heard that His Majesty just dealt with more than a dozen court officials."

It seems he's still not quite reassured.

Jiang Yuxun lowered his voice, struggling to reassure: "I'm quite familiar with His Majesty, and our relationship is... good. You can trust me on this."

"I understand," Yin Songquan paused, seemingly recalling some rumors, and then suddenly had an epiphany, "Lord Jiang, you and His Majesty are on the same side."

On the same side, what's mine is yours?

Without time to ponder over Yin Songquan's words, Jiang Yuxun, intent on getting him out, quickly nodded: "Yes, indeed."

—With his words falling, he finally managed to push Yin Songquan out of the room with all his might.

Please leave quickly, or we'll both be buried together.

-

After settling Yin Songquan and returning to his room, the door to the adjacent room was already slightly ajar.

Through the crack, he could see Yingshang Chuan sitting by the window, sipping tea while carefully examining the renovation plan Jiang Yuxun had left in the main hall.

Jiang Yuxun paused, ready to apologize.

Unexpectedly, Yingshang Chuan put down his teacup and looked at him with a smile: "The river design is just the first step. Have you thought about who will be responsible for the construction?"

The Emperor dislikes court officials trying to ingratiate themselves with him and detests those who flaunt their power unduly.

...Yingshang Chuan seems to be in a good mood; could it be he didn't hear what I said just now?

That shouldn't be the case.

The usually unlucky Jiang Yuxun didn't dare to count on his fortune.

But now was not the time to ponder this question.

Yin Songquan is skilled in design but has hardly participated in actual construction.

Jiang Yuxun slowly took a seat: "...The renovation of the Yi River is a massive project, requiring someone specialized in this field to oversee the construction."

Yingshang Chuan nodded lightly.

"To be honest, I already have a suitable candidate in mind, but to get them involved in the river project, I fear we will need Your Majesty's assistance."

"Whom does my official wish to invite?"

Jiang Yuxun clenched his hands nervously, then took a deep breath: "The craftsmen from Ling Tian Terrace."

The Emperor's expression gradually became more serious: "Why?"

"To my knowledge, in the past hundred and ten years, all major construction projects in the world have been related to Ling Tian Terrace. Whether it be temples or altars, the craftsmen from Ling Tian Terrace are the most experienced in managing large-scale projects. Therefore, I believe their involvement in the project would be most secure."

These craftsmen are all slaves.

Historically, they, along with other slaves from Ling Tian Terrace, were sent by Yingshang Chuan to the border to perform hard labor, eventually fading from history.

In Jiang Yuxun’s view, the disappearance of these craftsmen is a significant loss.

Yingshang Chuan neither agreed nor disagreed, and it was unclear whether he minded the involvement of people associated with Ling Tian Terrace.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun hastily added, "If we inform the people that we need these craftsmen to assist in the dredging of the Yi River, Ling Tian Terrace will surely release them. When else should we take advantage of Ling Tian Terrace if not now, when they are vulnerable?"

The next second, realizing what he had just said, Jiang Yuxun immediately shut his mouth and closed his eyes in profound regret—it had slipped out.

Take advantage?

...What kind of expression is that?

Although Yingshang Chuan had never heard the phrase "take advantage" before, after a few seconds, he seemed to grasp some of its meaning.

The room suddenly fell silent, and Jiang Yuxun, unsure if he had crossed a line, couldn't help but cautiously ask, "Do you disapprove of this action?"

Not to mention whether he was repulsed by the idea.

If the Emperor doesn't lend his aid, it would be quite difficult for Jiang Yuxun alone to persuade Ling Tian Terrace to provide men.

Yingshang Chuan slowly put down the teacup in his hand.

Jiang Yuxun clenched his fists, looking up at the Emperor with a bit of trepidation: "Your Majesty?"

"Naturally," Yingshang Chuan stood up and looked out the window.

After a pause, he suddenly gave a soft laugh, lowered his gaze to Jiang Yuxun, and said softly, "Why wouldn't I help one of my own?"