Chapter 10: How Nice He Dreams

Chapter 10: How Nice He Dreams

The incident involving Chen Yongan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Revenue, had festered for several days and was now the talk of the entire capital.

This year, the peach blossom flood in Shuzhou came swiftly and unexpectedly. Chen Yongan was assigned to handle disaster relief matters, which were complex and intricate, details hidden from outsiders. But everyone knew one thing—the outskirts of the capital were abuzz during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Under Chen Yongan's watch, the silver and grain needed for disaster relief mysteriously vanished. Only Chen Yongan himself didn't disappear; he was caught in broad daylight and immediately thrown into the Ministry of Justice's prison.

He neither confessed nor denied the accusations. It seemed that corruption was an established fact. When the walls crumbled, everyone pushed. Impeachment memorials flew like snowflakes in the imperial court, and even commoners at tea stalls spewed saliva as they cursed him.

Wen Ruan, unaware of the full truth, refrained from commenting. But he knew one thing—

"Every grain is hard-earned."

Regardless of the case details, the disaster was real, the people suffered, and the emperor was enraged. Now, when the word 'grain' was mentioned, regardless of your thoughts, you had to show respect. The more influential and wealthy someone was, the more they cared about their reputation.

When he decorated a banquet at the Duke's Mansion with grain motifs, others might secretly look down on it, but they would never criticize it openly.

Nanxing understood: "Are you worried about being affected?"

Wen Ruan smiled: "Can't let them push me into the limelight just to step on me, can I?"

If implicated, how could they bear to be labeled as accomplices?

"You said something about cultivating a new market?" Nanxing recalled the tools the Huo family had just delivered. "Young Master mentioned wanting to create something fresh..."

"My young master is tired," Wen Ruan slumped. "Finding someone to help would be good."

"Young Master can still find someone to assist."

Nanxing couldn't hold back her laughter. New to the capital, without acquaintances, and with the Duke's Mansion's unpredictable defenses, how could anyone offer help? "Are you planning to strike a deal with someone?"

That would require some form of exchange.

"Don't think too shallowly. Your young master wouldn't let anyone take advantage of him for free."

Wen Ruan finished his cup of tea in one breath, feeling relieved: "There are just some people in this world who enjoy telling others what to do, brimming with the desire to show off and have others praise their prowess."

He wondered who would come to lecture him upon returning home tomorrow.

Please don't disappoint me.

"In any case, there's no need to worry. Your young master has everything under control."

"Yes." Seeing it was late, Nanxing reluctantly took out a letter. "...It arrived with Young Master's tools, written by that person from the Huo family."

Wen Ruan didn't take it: "...I'll read it tomorrow."

Huo Er was annoying.

Nanxing promptly put it away. That person was nagging and clingy, like a plaster stuck to your skin. If there was something important, they wouldn't write such a letter. It was better for the young master not to read it: "There's another strange matter. They say that grain has already arrived in Shuzhou."

Wen Ruan sat up straight: "Before ours?"

"Mm, it seems like granary grain," Nanxing nodded. "Not much arrived ahead of time, but it provided some relief. The number of deaths among the disaster victims in Shuzhou wasn't as high as expected."

It was indeed peculiar.

Wen Ruan pondered for a moment, then lowered his brows and chuckled softly: "Our Minister Chen is quite interesting."

Didn't he embezzle everything? How did the stolen goods avoid being seized, instead providing some relief to the disaster-stricken area?

Nanxing: "We really don't have manpower in the capital... Should we arrange for someone to come over?"

"Hold on," Wen Ruan shook his head. "Spring planting and pollination are crucial. Let's wait a bit longer."

After saying what she needed to, Nanxing prepared to leave. Seeing the flower soap by the washbasin, she frowned again: "The Duke's Mansion held a banquet for Young Master's skills. Are you really going to use this flower soap to make money for them?"

Wen Ruan scoffed: "How nice they dream."

The next day, at the Duke's Mansion.

Wen Ruan returned after a full night's sleep, a full stomach, and a leisurely pace. By the time he reached Little Bamboo Pavilion, it was past noon, but no one at the Duke's Mansion complained. Instead, they visited one after another, extremely enthusiastic.

Men and women, young masters and misses from the second and third branches, all generations and attitudes were present.

Some were openly proud and willful, looking down on others with their noses in the air. Some subtly spread rumors, their eyes darting around without rest. Some were timid and weak, repeating words taught by others, lacking any original thought...

The familial recognition that didn't happen upon his return was now completed.

Among everyone, Wen Ru was the most direct. Reluctantly dragging her feet, her nose still red from crying, it was clear she had been lectured by Lady Zhou. She brought gifts, apologized hastily, glared at him, and left.

In contrast, his illegitimate brother Wen Yu was quite the actor, dignified and elegant, modest and refined. Regarding the incident on the street, he only spoke of misunderstanding, avoiding embarrassment, harboring no resentment or anger. He showed excessive concern for his newly returned younger brother. An outsider might think their brotherly affection ran deep.

"...The banquet at the mansion is a significant event. I heard that you were given the task of small decorative items. Have you decided on a direction? This matter must be properly prepared within the next two days. If you can't think of anything, feel free to seek my assistance."

Regarding this, he had also asked Lady Zhou. She told him not to worry, that she would prepare an extra set. If anything went wrong, she would replace it immediately, ensuring the Duke's Mansion's reputation remained intact. After all, this move was intended to suppress Wen Ruan, to teach him fear. Spending an extra portion of money was nothing for the Duke's Mansion.

Thus, Wen Yu's words weren't entirely sincere.

Wen Ruan: "What suggestions does Eldest Brother have?"

Wen Yu smiled elegantly: "Actually, follow your heart. There's no need to consider too much. Our Duke's Mansion has a title that ensures our descendants' peace and prosperity. Unlike other families, we don't need to struggle desperately. We've always stayed out of worldly affairs, avoiding factional disputes..."

Wen Ruan: ...

It was impressive how he could describe the entire mansion lying idle, lacking successors, in such a refined manner.

"...Invitations must be sent to everyone. All the princes' residences will receive them, but the princes probably won't come," Wen Yu's words seemed to carry hidden meaning. "Have you heard anything about the princes on your way to the capital?"

Wen Ruan shook his head. "No."

That made things easier.

Wen Yu poured tea as if nothing had happened. "Still, you should know a little. Given our status, we might encounter influential people elsewhere, and we need to be mindful in social interactions."

Wen Ruan was obedient. "I humbly request guidance from Elder Brother."

"Guidance is too grand a term," Wen Yu said meaningfully. "The Second and Third Princes have taken up duties before the Emperor. They're busy every day, barely paying attention to the Duke's Mansion... It's the Sixth Prince you should watch out for."

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

Wen Yu: "His Highness the Sixth is fond of music and appreciates artistic beauty. His taste is exquisite."

Meanwhile, at the Northern Mountain Hunting Grounds.

Zhu Yan didn't carry a lute but instead strung his bow and shot through someone's wrist bone.

"...Daring to tail me with such poor skills makes it hard for me."

He moved with grace, his steps precise, even when he placed his foot on the injured man. The angle was so exact that it caused excruciating pain without a word being uttered, blood spilling everywhere except on him.

"Pretending not to see would make me look foolish. Killing you outright would be unfair to my bow... Don't move. Maintain this position; the blood spreading will be beautiful."

At the Duke's Mansion, Wen Yu noticed Wen Ruan's silence, his obedient demeanor suggesting deep thought or perhaps daydreaming. He continued gently, "His Highness the Sixth treats people warmly, fostering brotherly harmony..."

At the Northern Mountain Hunting Grounds, Zhu Yan was pleased with the bloodstains on the face beneath his foot, the expression of extreme fear yet forced restraint. He asked kindly, "Who sent you, my dear Second Brother, or my dear Third Brother?"

How endearing.

"Sixth Brother really is..."

"Swish—"

A small willow blade appeared in Zhu Yan's hand, shooting toward the source of the sound, its trajectory sharp and lethal.

It nearly pierced the Second Prince's throat.

Just barely missing.

The Second Prince's bodyguard reacted swiftly, deftly knocking away the projectile and returning to his position. The entire sequence flowed like water, as if they'd encountered this scenario countless times before.

Zhu Yan turned around slowly. "It's Second Brother. I was startled by being tailed, my mind unsettled, causing me to lose control of my weapon... Don't take offense, Second Brother."

At the Duke's Mansion, Wen Ruan, hearing someone speak candidly about royal affairs for the first time, was curious. "Does His Highness the Sixth have a good relationship with his brothers?"

Wen Yu lied with his eyes open. "His Highness the Sixth is the least afraid to deal with the other princes, and he's the brother the Second and Third Princes most want to win over and look after."

Wen Ruan: "That's quite rare."

Wen Yu smiled. "His Highness the Sixth is of noble character, doesn't like to compete, and doesn't hold grudges..."

At the Northern Mountain Hunting Grounds, the Second Prince wore a stern expression. "What if I do take offense?"

"Then take offense," Zhu Yan said, drawing his bow to aim. "My bow works well, too."

The Second Prince was speechless.

"You're still childish, believing everything I say," the Second Prince sighed softly, glancing at the bloody figure on the ground. "Since you've been harassed by an assassin, why not bind him and deliver him to the Palace Guard for questioning?"

Zhu Yan: "Hand him over for others to claim?"

The Second Prince spoke earnestly. "This is your Third Brother's hunting grounds..."

Before he could finish, Zhu Yan killed the man.

"Among us brothers, there's no 'yours' or 'mine.' We all vie for what we want."

After the killing, Zhu Yan turned gracefully, mounted his horse, and rode forward. "Third Brother isn't in his own hunting grounds, either vying for mine or yours. Farewell, Second Brother!"

Indeed, he didn't hold grudges because he settled them immediately.

At the Duke's Mansion, Wen Yu continued praising the Sixth Prince, his face serious as if teaching his younger brother. "...His Highness the Sixth has remarkable looks, excellent demeanor, and treats people politely. If you get the chance, remember to cultivate a good relationship with him."

At the Northern Mountain Hunting Grounds, Zhu Yan rode his horse, his bow at the ready. His clothes fluttered, his brows like mountains, his eyes like stars. He was truly handsome and truly dignified, as for politeness...

The attendant in green seized the opportunity to report external matters, mentioning the invitation.

"A banquet? At the Duke's Mansion?" Zhu Yan's voice carried in the wind, half-laughing, half-serious. "In the capital, there's still a Duke surnamed Wen?"

The attendant in green was silent.

He could understand if Zhu Yan directly said no, no need for mockery.

On Wen Yu's side, he was still instructing his newly returned brother. "...His Highness the Sixth also greatly prefers obedient people. Someone as pure and adorable as you, he wouldn't be able to refuse."

In those distant memories, he seemed to recall Zhu Yan saying that obedient and pure people were the most interesting to kill.

"It seems I've said too much. In short, remember that befriending His Highness the Sixth will benefit you in every way. In the future, whether in the capital or at home, you'll have a place."

Wen Yu finished speaking and realized that Wen Ruan was staring straight out the window, somewhat distracted. "What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"

Wen Ruan: "Thinking about how lovely the weather is outside, the lush flowers, the long days of early summer. The capital is so prosperous; one must live well to not waste it."

Judging by his appearance, he had listened. Wen Yu smiled. "Naturally."

Wen Ruan sighed again. "Black soap lacks good fragrance, hard to adjust. Unfortunately, I come from the countryside, my knowledge limited. I wonder when I can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons and see a hundred kinds of flowers."

"There's no rush. Take your time."

Wen Yu, while offering his advice, a glint of hidden intent flickered in his eyes.

Summer blossoms... indeed, a splendid theme it would be. The section under his charge could easily draw inspiration from this, embodying elegance and nobility with a touch of originality...

He promptly took his leave.

Little Bamboo Pavilion finally returned to its tranquil state.

Wen Ruan turned to look at Nanxing: "See, now we have someone to help us with the work?"

Someone who will go all out, striving for commendation and a good reputation, even if it's just for their own future prospects.

Beyond the Begonia Gate, Wen Yu was equally pleased. No matter how he probed, this younger brother could only be seen as a slightly cunning youth, yet lacking in true depth.

This banquet, unlike the one in his previous life, differed not only in timing but also in atmosphere. In his past life, it was merely a superficial gesture by the Duke's Mansion, claiming to introduce the young master to society, but in reality, they never invited Wen Ruan out, turning it into an ordinary small gathering. This time, Wen Ruan had played his cards right, leaving no choice but to make an appearance.

He recalled that it was around this period when Wen Ruan first met the future third-place laureate...

He must disrupt this fated encounter.

If the opportunity arises, he should also leave a favorable impression on the future third-place laureate.

Those days of beauty, happiness, and glory... they will all be his!

Having been granted a second chance at life, everything can change!

It's just a pity that the Duke of Wen's Mansion bears the title of a duke in name alone, devoid of any real power or value. Prince Sixth, Zhu Yan, won't be attending, otherwise, he might have attempted to push his half-brother towards him, locking him into a life of suffering.