Chapter 166: Making an Appearance

Chapter 166: Stepping Into the Spotlight

Zheng Shanci had no interest in these factional disputes. In fact, he had already been categorized as part of the Crown Prince's faction—a label he could accept. As the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor, his relationship with the Crown Prince was naturally close, making his alignment with the Crown Prince's faction indisputable.

Regarding the matter of General Li and Governor-General Zhou, Emperor Wuming ordered the Ministry of Justice to investigate, with the rest to follow standard procedures. When Emperor Wuming received Chief Grand Secretary Wei's memorial of self-censure, he glanced at it briefly before setting it aside. Most such memorials were formulaic and held little novelty.

Emperor Wuming had no intention of making a show of causing trouble for Chief Grand Secretary Wei. Wei served well in his position, and the emperor found him useful.

"Crown Prince, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

After a moment of contemplation, the Crown Prince replied, "General Li committed a wrongdoing and should be punished. As for Lord Wei, who recommended him, a reprimand would suffice. However, since Lord Wei has already submitted a memorial of self-censure, Your Majesty could graciously overlook it. Governor-General Zhou suffered greatly, so an imperial stipend could be granted to console him."

Xie Cheng spoke with studied nonchalance, "In truth, the conflict between General Li and Governor-General Zhou is a minor matter. The real issue lies between Lord Wei and Lord Xiao. If Your Majesty wished to dismiss the two grand secretaries, this could serve as an opportunity. However, as they have committed no major faults, it would be unnecessary to humiliate them. This is merely my unworthy opinion."

Emperor Wuming studied Xie Cheng silently for a long while. Over the years, the Crown Prince had grown increasingly astute, and the emperor felt a quiet pride.

"You speak well. I have no intention of acting against my two ministers." Emperor Wuming lowered his gaze to the memorials. "You've spent enough time in the Ministry of Rites. Tomorrow, you shall move to the Hanlin Academy."

The Hanlin Academy was a training ground for future chancellors. By sending Xie Cheng there, Emperor Wuming aimed to cultivate loyalists for him. As the crown prince, lacking his own faction would leave him vulnerable to manipulation by court officials once he ascended the throne. Elder statesmen were canny, while younger officials still retained some naivety—perfect for the Crown Prince to practice handling.

The Crown Prince accepted the decree with gratitude.

Upon leaving the Coiling Dragon Hall, his demeanor grew even more dignified and regal. Only upon returning to the Eastern Palace did a trace of joy flicker across his face—emotions he never displayed in public. Evidently, his response had pleased his father. Xie Cheng had not been idle in the Ministry of Rites, maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Minister of Rites while studying texts on ceremonial rites. His own lessons already included etiquette, and his time in the ministry had further refined his understanding. If Lord Zheng could work diligently in a county town, then he, as the heir apparent, must remain composed and fulfill his duties without arrogance or impatience.

After Crown Prince Junior Tutor Jiang finished his lecture, the Crown Prince still treated him with the respect due a teacher. Tutor Jiang had heard that the Crown Prince had already suggested to Emperor Wuming that he be relieved of his position, as his teaching methods were merely reciting texts, and Xie Cheng, no longer a child, no longer needed to recite texts and poetry.

"Your Highness, this is the last lesson I shall give you..." Tutor Jiang's heart was heavy as he bowed deeply in the ritual of subject to sovereign.

The previous day, he had received an imperial decree appointing him as Governor-General of Anshun—a frontier governorship, though Tutor Jiang would have preferred to remain in the capital. Anshun bordered Qingzhou by just a single county. At his age, being entrusted with such a position was a testament to Emperor Wuming's esteem.

He bore no resentment.

"Lord Jiang, I have prepared gifts as a token of my regard. Should you encounter any difficulties in Anshun, you may write to me," Xie Cheng said, helping Tutor Jiang to his feet and signaling for *Shunzi* to present the gifts.

Tutor Jiang sighed inwardly and had a minor official beside him receive them. As the Crown Prince's tutor, he was forever marked as part of the Crown Prince's faction. He could only hope that when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, he would recall his old tutor from the provinces to bask in the glory of the capital.

For now, this was merely a temporary assignment.

Xie Cheng personally escorted Tutor Jiang out of the palace, observing every courtesy to demonstrate his respect.

Tutor Jiang lifted the carriage curtain for one last look at the palace before letting it fall and ordering the coachman to depart.

By the time Zheng Shanci learned of Tutor Jiang's reassignment, the man had already left the capital. Speed was paramount in military affairs, and Tutor Jiang was eager to assume his new post. Perhaps he also feared that lingering in the capital would only deepen his melancholy, so he departed swiftly with his family for Anshun.

Without Tutor Jiang's scowls and reprimands, Zheng Shanci felt strangely unsettled during his visits to the Eastern Palace. The old man had loved stroking his beard while lecturing Zheng Shanci in classical aphorisms, to which Zheng Shanci had always responded with vague nods.

Zheng Shanci sincerely wished Tutor Jiang success and good health in his future career. At the mid-year audience, they might yet reminisce over drinks and conversation.

"Lord Zheng, please come in quickly! His Highness has been waiting for you," a palace attendant greeted him with evident relief.

Zheng Shanci quickened his pace—it would not do to keep the Crown Prince waiting.

This time, Zheng Shanci's lesson for Xie Cheng was "Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors" from the *Yanzi Chunqiu (Inner Chapters)*. Beyond the Four Books and Five Classics, Zheng Shanci also instructed Xie Cheng in statecraft. As for the classics, Xie Cheng had already memorized them—he had begun studying them as soon as he learned to read.

While scholars studied these texts to pass examinations, Xie Cheng studied them to grasp their underlying philosophies. Though both were forms of learning, their purposes differed.

"The Duke said, 'These three warriors—to grapple with them, I fear I cannot prevail; to stab them, I fear I cannot pierce their armor.'"

"Yanzi replied, 'These are all men who attack strong enemies with sheer strength, lacking proper deference between senior and junior.' Thereupon, he requested the Duke to send someone with two peaches as gifts, saying, 'Why do the three of you not measure your merits and claim the peaches?'" *Note: The "Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors" allegory refers to a historical stratagem where two peaches were used to cause rivalry among three valiant warriors, ultimately leading to their downfall.*

After finishing the story, Zheng Shanci simply asked Xie Cheng to ponder why two peaches could kill three warriors.

Xie Cheng contemplated briefly and soon had an answer, saying, "These three warriors were blinded by their desire for merit, too greedy and thus manipulated into killing one another. If I were one of them, I would have humbly yielded the peaches—though saying so now is merely Monday morning quarterbacking."

Zheng Shanci smiled. "If Your Highness can derive wisdom from this, how can it be called Monday morning quarterbacking? Your Highness is right. Take court officials, for example—some are driven by greed, embezzling funds and deceiving both superiors and subordinates. Do they not know this violates the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty? They simply cannot restrain themselves."

"You can’t keep fish in crystal-clear water. Corruption among officials is common. Some embezzle and then bribe their superiors, cutting backroom deals, dragging many into the web. Officials shield one another, forming a chain of interests—that is the most troublesome scenario. They conceal the truth from each other, making investigations difficult. Even if someone were determined to investigate, they would have to consider the sheer number of implicated officials."

Xie Cheng pondered for a moment. "Such officials must be divided and conquered. Even in their exchange of interests, some will inevitably be dissatisfied with their share—that is the chink in the armor. Thus, factional strife is also part of their chain of interests. The more factions there are, the worse it is for the court. If officials are preoccupied with fighting for gains, how can they focus on the welfare of the nation?"

Xie Cheng said coldly, "Caring only for their own households, plundering the court’s resources—such shortsightedness and greed are hardly the traits of loyal ministers or capable generals."

Zheng Shanci inwardly agreed. "Your Highness speaks truth."

Xie Cheng composed his expression and continued, "Speaking of interests—they reveal a person’s nature and can also be used to manipulate them. Was Yanzi not exploiting human psychology when he used two peaches to kill three warriors? I rather admire Yanzi for that."

Zheng Shanci chuckled inwardly. If such a person truly existed, Xie Cheng would also have to guard against him—an emperor’s perennial suspicion.

Once the lesson concluded, a palace attendant poured Zheng Shanci a cup of hot tea. Thirsty from speaking, he sipped it slowly.

Noticing this, Xie Cheng instructed Little Shunzi, "Go and pack three taels of the Mengding tea Father Emperor gifted me for Lord Zheng."

Knowing Xie Cheng’s temperament, Zheng Shanci did not refuse. He thanked him and said, "My gratitude, Your Highness."

The Mengding tea was a tribute tea, an annual offering from the mountains of Shu, rumored to be touched by divine essence.

Little Shunzi carefully wrapped the tea and presented it with both hands. Zheng Shanci thanked him and set it on the table. Xie Cheng had not yet dismissed him, indicating he had more to say.

"Leave us," Xie Cheng commanded.

The attendants bowed and withdrew.

Xie Cheng did not wish to conceal his transfer from the Ministry of Rites to the Hanlin Academy from Zheng Shanci—he also wanted to hear his thoughts.

"Congratulations, Your Highness," Zheng Shanci said. "The Hanlin Academy houses many learned scholars. If Your Highness is discerning, you may find one or two capable ministers to assist you in the future."

"Your Highness need only act with confidence in the Hanlin Academy. Since His Majesty has assigned you there, he is prepared for you to build your own coterie. At present, aside from your study aides and the Wang family’s influence, your allies are still few."

For royal heirs—especially the crown prince—marriage was a matter of political exchange. Once Xie Cheng came of age, the palace would arrange his wives and concubines, who would then become part of his power base.

Thus, whether to strengthen influence or ensure heirs, imperial descendants inevitably took many spouses.

Currently, Xie Cheng had no particular affections, leaving his marriages entirely to Emperor Wuming and Wang Fengjun’s discretion.

As for why Emperor Wuming had only taken Xian Fengjun and Wang Fengjun as consorts—it was because he and Xian Fengjun had been deeply in love. Once bound by affection, he had no desire for further concubines.

Xie Cheng, however, remained untouched by such concerns.

After lingering briefly in the Eastern Palace, Zheng Shanci declined Xie Cheng’s invitation to dine and returned home.

Regretful, Xie Cheng sent an attendant to summon Xie Dan for a meal instead.

The newly hired chef’s tonic cuisine suited his palate—appetizing, spleen-nourishing, and body-strengthening. The nourishing meals even improved his sleep. Now, he wanted Xie Dan to try them as well.

Xie Dan arrived at the Eastern Palace in good cheer. After bowing in greeting, he took his seat and poured tea.

A hint of a smile crossed Xie Cheng’s eyes. "Why are you soaked through?"

"I just returned from martial training. Today, my uncle regaled me with stories of beyond the palace, and it left me itching. Tomorrow, I mean to petition Father Emperor to let me ride at the hunting grounds." Xie Dan smoothed back his hair, revealing eyes like peach blossoms.

"You came right when I called. You should’ve changed your clothes first. Wearing these damp clothes for too long might make you catch a chill." Xie Cheng stood up and invited Xie Dan to follow him into the inner chamber, then instructed the palace attendants to prepare a bath.

Xie Dan balked with embarrassment.

Xie Cheng had Xiao Shunzi fetch an ordinary robe without embroidered pythons—a deep blue one, unlike the apricot-yellow python robes typically worn by the crown prince.

"How can I wear your clothes?" Xie Dan glanced at Xie Cheng but still remembered propriety.

Xie Cheng smiled. "Relax, this is just an ordinary robe. Change and freshen up before coming out for the meal."

Xie Dan sighed and agreed. He still regarded Xie Cheng as an elder brother, though during recent meals at Kunning Palace, his father kept reminding him to treat Xie Cheng as he would the emperor—as a subject serving his sovereign.

While eating fish, Xie Dan almost bit his tongue. How could his father and elder brother be the same? Though he outwardly agreed, he had no intention of taking it to heart. Yet after Wang Fengjun’s repeated admonitions, the idea had sunk in. After all, Xie Cheng was his sovereign, and he was a subject—he had to maintain proper boundaries and avoid overstepping.

Still, when with Xie Cheng, Xie Dan only slightly adjusted his behavior, treating him as he would a beloved brother.

Xie Dan dug in happily.

"If you like it, I’ll send the chef to you," Xie Cheng offered.

Xie Dan shook his head. "I'll just come see you whenever I want to eat."

Hearing this, Xie Cheng let it drop.

Xie Dan was now twelve, and Emperor Wuming had already ordered the Ministry of Works to begin constructing Prince Qi's residence. Though still young, he would soon move out of the palace, and later, to his fiefdom.

Xie Cheng put more food on Xie Dan's plate.

...

After returning home and dining, Zheng Shanci took a stroll with Yu Lanyi. Xiao Ping’an had just returned and went straight to Mr. Zheng’s quarters to sleep there for the night.

Yu Lanyi was happy to see the familiar nighttime sights.

"Though Wuchang County is my hometown, I don’t feel connected to it. But if I ever left the capital, I’d surely miss it," Yu Lanyi said, reminiscing about his childhood as they walked toward a specific compound.

The abandoned mansion had long been neglected, its plaque covered in cobwebs. Visiting such a place at night gave Zheng Shanci the creeps.

Yu Lanyi pointed at the stone lions at the entrance, noticing a faint crack on the back of one’s head. Touching it, he said excitedly, "I did this as a child—carved a line into the lion with a knife!"

Curious, Zheng Shanci leaned closer and indeed found a horizontal mark.

"You were pretty strong as a kid," Zheng Shanci said plainly.

"I wasn’t that strong back then—nothing compared to my elder brother," Yu Lanyi chuckled.

A cold gust of wind swept by, making Zheng Shanci say, "We’ve seen enough. Let’s go."

Yu Lanyi nodded. "They say this was the home of a corrupt official who embezzled millions of taels of silver, resulting in the execution of his entire clan. The estate was later sold, but the new owners claimed it was haunted and abandoned it. As kids, we loved playing here, though I never dared come at night. Even after all these years, no one’s willing to live here."

Zheng Shanci and Yu Lanyi left the compound. A few days later, when Zheng Shanci attended the morning court, he learned that the mansion had a new resident—a newly promoted Vice Minister of Works from the provinces.

The Vice Minister had been reinstated after Chief Grand Secretary Wei’s recommendation received the emperor’s approval. With a solid record and seniority, he was qualified for the position. This move clearly strengthened Wei’s faction, which the emperor quietly permitted.

Zheng Shanci stayed out of it.

His relationship with the Grand Secretariat went no further than submitting memorials. To avoid suspicion, even his interactions with Grand Secretary Lei were just polite—at least on the surface, they appeared distant.

Meanwhile, Zheng Shanci was set on cracking down on tax evasion. The court’s annual expenditures were enormous, and merely reducing the corruption of local river officials wasn’t enough to cover the shortfall.

The fields are closely monitored now, so no one dares to cut corners with them. To make money, people have turned their attention to the sea.

Taxes on maritime trade are steeper than land taxes, but buying and reselling goods can turn a hefty profit. For instance, a segment of incense that costs three taels of silver in the capital can be sold for five taels in the provinces. With rumors spreading that noblewomen in the capital use such incense, merchants cash in on the hype, making local gentry clamor to buy it, believing it elevates their status.

Sea-traded goods often fetch jacked-up prices, some even exported to foreign lands. A single voyage takes at least six months roundtrip, and one shipload can net over a hundred thousand taels of silver. The risks at sea are great, but so are the fortunes.

Yet only thirty percent is collected as tax. Zheng Shanci inspected the docks and saw the constant flow of ships, certain that the reported taxes fell far short of reality. His shrewd instincts told him some merchants had secret maritime routes into the capital, evading detection—or that canal transport officials were on the take.

Zheng Shanci put Director Zhao and Yu Feng on the case—quietly. Moreover, if merchants could profit from maritime trade, so could the government.

He figured he’d cozy up to the Minister of Works to get more big ships built, teaming up with the War and Revenue Ministries to expand trade with foreign lands.

With this plan in mind, he wrapped up his paperwork and decided to visit Du Yue during his next leave.

While Zheng Shanci was busy squeezing more profit out of canal transport to build his family’s wealth, Grand Secretary Shi handed in his resignation.

Emperor Wuming tried talking him out of it, but Grand Secretary Shi was resolute. The emperor had no choice but to grant his request.

At noon, Du Ning glanced at Xiao Gaoyang and asked, "Do you know the inside story behind Grand Secretary Shi’s retirement?"

Xiao Gaoyang was Grand Secretary Shi’s son-in-law. The grand secretary had only one child, Shi Geer, and treated Xiao Gaoyang like his own son.

"I don’t know the details," Xiao Gaoyang replied, "but my father-in-law’s health has weakened over the years, and his energy is no longer what it used to be. Retiring to rest up is the smart move. Serving as a grand secretary requires shifts in the cabinet—something he could endure in his youth but struggles with now."

Grand Secretary Shi was in his sixties, indeed advanced in age. Shi Geer, his only child born late in life, was the whole family’s golden child. They had carefully vetted Xiao Gaoyang, the top scholar, before selecting him as their son-in-law.

Zheng Shanci remarked, "Brother Xiao should take care of him. Of the four grand secretaries, two are connected to you. Even if Grand Secretary Shi retires, Grand Secretary Xiao remains."

Jiang Lanli chuckled, "I’ve been so busy I forgot—Brother Xiao’s the one with connections here."

Xiao Gaoyang, knowing his friends were teasing him, waved his hands dismissively. "Even Grand Secretary Xiao’s own son hasn’t said a word. If hangers-on like us start name-dropping, we’ll only invite disdain."

Though inwardly proud of his status as the top scholar, he played it humble and cool in public. In official circles, he was steady and reliable, only bragging to his husband for laughs.

"Brother Xiao is right," Mei Huai praised.

"Brother Xiao, there’s another matter," Jiang Lanli added. "The Crown Prince visited the Hanlin Academy and inquired about this affair."

The Jiang family was closely tied to Xie Cheng—one of his study companions, Jiang Zhou, was a direct descendant of their clan.

Zheng Shanci grew curious. Though he knew Xie Cheng’s temperament, he had never visited the Hanlin Academy and could only rely on Xiao Gaoyang’s account.

"The Crown Prince is gentle and conducts himself with great propriety," Xiao Gaoyang said approvingly. "He never interferes with the academy’s affairs, focusing instead on reading and consulting the scholars afterward. This is the bearing of a future ruler."

"Yet the moment the Crown Prince arrived, he won over the Hanlin crowd—everyone from fresh recruits to old-timers eats it up."

Zheng Shanci bit back a grin.

"Brother Xiao, you’d say that to the Hanlin guys’ faces?" Du Ning teased.

Xiao Gaoyang clasped his hands. "I wouldn’t dare."

After lunchtime chatter, they went their separate ways. Zheng Shanci napped briefly before strolling through the imperial garden. Midway, he heard eunuchs calling out anxiously, "Your Highness, Prince of Qi, please come down!"

Looking up, he saw Xie Dan perched on a tree branch, reaching for a bird’s nest.

At twelve, the kid was at that age where mischief came naturally—roof-climbing and all. The palace attendants below looked on the verge of tears. They recognized Zheng Shanci—before becoming the Crown Prince’s tutor, he had taught Xie Dan, forming a bond with the young prince.

"Lord Zheng, frantically wave him over!" Feng Zhong, Xie Dan’s attendant, urgently called out to him.

Xie Dan still felt nervous around Zheng Shanci. He feared Zheng Shanci would report him, which would inevitably result in a whipping from Emperor Wuming and likely a scolding from his elder brother as well.

Zheng Shanci observed proper etiquette first: "Your servant greets Your Highness, the Prince of Qi. It's not safe up there—please come down first. If Your Highness were to fall, not only would you be hurt, but your attendants would also be punished."

"Lord Zheng is here too? I've already got the nest, so I’ll come down now." Xie Dan held the bird eggs and shouted, "Feng Zhong, quickly steady the chair!"

The palace servants rushed to hold the ladder, terrified of letting their little master fall.

Before anyone could react, the two large birds that had flown away earlier returned. Seeing their eggs missing from the nest and instead in Xie Dan’s hands, they dove at him, pecking at his hands and face. Xie Dan swayed unsteadily on the ladder, struggling to keep his balance.

"Damn birds! I'll have your heads!" Xie Dan, caught off guard, missed a step and tumbled down from the ladder.

Zheng Shanci mustered his strength and caught him.

Zheng Shanci thought his arm might snap—the kid packed quite a punch when he fell. Fortunately, he was diligent in his physical training, or else Xie Dan would have surely crashed to the ground.

Setting Xie Dan down, he said firmly, "Your Highness must be more careful in the future to avoid injuring yourself."

Xie Dan, flustered by being caught by Zheng Shanci, nodded repeatedly at his words.

"Next time, I’ll come better prepared before trying again. Lord Zheng, your hand's all red—come with me to the Imperial Hospital for a check-up."

Zheng Shanci replied, "I'm perfectly fine. There’s no need to visit the Imperial Hospital."

"You saved me, so I must ensure you are unharmed." Xie Dan shot Feng Zhong a look.

Feng Zhong added a few words of persuasion, and Zheng Shanci thought it wasn’t a major issue. If he refused, Xie Dan would keep pestering him. So, he followed Xie Dan to the Imperial Hospital.

The imperial physician, recognizing the Prince of Qi, didn't dare slack off. He took Zheng Shanci’s pulse, rolled up his sleeves to examine his hand, and said thoughtfully, "Lord Zheng’s hand is uninjured, though it is slightly dislocated. The pain hasn’t fully set in yet because the swelling hasn’t appeared—just feels like it's on fire. This humble official will first realign the bones for you."

Zheng Shanci was starting to regret his afternoon walk in the imperial garden.

By the time the physician finished setting the bone, Zheng Shanci’s forehead was beaded with sweat. Fortunately, he endured the pain without crying out.

Nothing in the palace stayed secret for long. Just as the bone was set, Wang Fengjun arrived.

"Greetings, Fengjun."

Wang Fengjun first scrutinized Xie Dan and motioned for him to come over before turning a kindly gaze toward Zheng Shanci. "Lord Zheng, there’s no need for formalities. This time, I must thank you for saving Dan’er."

"He has always been a little troublemaker, leaping and climbing all over the palace. This time, he even caused trouble for you, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Shanci replied, "His Highness the Prince of Qi is lively and endearing. At his age, playful antics are only natural. His Highness is intelligent and will surely come to understand Fengjun’s devoted care in the future. Being able to save His Highness this time was also a matter of fate between this official and the prince."

Xie Dan stood behind Wang Fengjun, watching Zheng Shanci.