Chapter 6 If You’re So Good, Do It Yourself

Chapter 6: If You're So Capable, You Do It Yourself

At the Grand Tutor’s estate in the eastern part of the city.

Yan Weichu stepped into the pavilion, where an elderly man sat fully engrossed in the chessboard before him, seemingly oblivious to the approaching footsteps.

Yan Weichu moved forward, reached out his hand, and placed a piece, rescuing the besieged black stones and suddenly opening up the game.

"Your Majesty!"

Grand Tutor Zhang Wenhuan looked up and saw him, rising to pay his respects, but Yan Weichu stopped him: "Please remain seated, Master. There’s no need for formalities."

He himself took a seat opposite, picking up the black pieces to continue the game.

Zhang Wenhuan stroked his long beard: "Your Majesty’s chess skills have improved remarkably. I fall short by comparison."

A servant brought tea. Yan Weichu took a sip and said casually, "I had a good teacher, Master."

"Your Majesty, why didn’t you give a heads-up before your visit? I could have come out to receive you," Zhang Wenhuan said.

Yan Weichu replied indifferently, "It’s nothing important. I just came to see you. It’s been several years since we last met. Given your difficulty with mobility, there’s no need for a grand reception."

Zhang Wenhuan was a regent appointed by the late emperor to assist Yan Weichu, formerly the Chief Grand Secretary of the Inner Court. In the sixth year of Jingchun, he retired from the position of Chief Grand Secretary due to a leg injury, retaining only the ceremonial title of Grand Tutor and no longer involving himself in court affairs.

In reality, he was forced into retirement, pushed out by the Regent and Empress Dowager Xie.

When Zhang Wenhuan was still in court, he and several other imperial tutors took turns teaching Yan Weichu daily in the Western Garden. Back then, Yan Weichu could still use them to maintain some connection to the outside world.

After Zhang Wenhuan returned to his residence to enjoy his retirement, the Young Emperor had effectively been like a prisoner for the past four years.

When Yan Weichu was younger, he once asked Zhang Wenhuan how to break free from his constraints. Zhang Wenhuan advised him to endure and plan gradually for the future—a lesson Yan Weichu took to heart.

"Now that I’ve begun ruling personally, I realize many court affairs are not as I imagined. I often feel out of my depth," Yan Weichu said, almost sighing. "If you hadn’t been injured and could return to assist me, Master, it would be wonderful. What a pity."

Zhang Wenhuan calmly placed a chess piece: "There are many able advisors and ministers in the court. Your Majesty can trust and rely on them."

"Advisors," Yan Weichu repeated the word thoughtfully, smiling vaguely. "Lately, I’ve received numerous petitions from court officials urging me to come down hard on Wan Xuanju, the Superintendent of the Eastern Depot. It’s as if not doing so would make me a tyrant."

"Some even allege his involvement in a rebellion. Although I’ve imprisoned him in the imperial prison, he is, after all, someone from the Empress Dowager’s palace. Accusing him of rebellion is akin to accusing the Empress Dowager herself. How could I commit such a disrespectful act?"

After taking a sip of tea, he continued, "I don’t understand why so many outside are so hung up on targeting a eunuch."

Zhang Wenhuan knitted his brows slightly, remained silent for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty has just begun his personal reign. Eliminating treacherous elements and cleaning up the court to set an example for the people is not a bad thing."

Yan Weichu asked, "Is Wan Xuanju treacherous? Everything he did was under the Empress Dowager’s orders. What wrong has he committed? Reading those petitions, I truly don’t understand. Please explain to me, Master—what constitutes loyalty, and what constitutes treachery?"

Zhang Wenhuan looked up at him: "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven and ruler. Those who obey Your Majesty’s orders are naturally loyal."

Yan Weichu seemed to understand: "So, since Wan Xuanju obeys the Empress Dowager instead of me, he is indeed a treacherous official. By that logic, I fear there are few truly loyal officials among the court’s civil and military officials."

Zhang Wenhuan shook his head slightly: "Your Majesty is overthinking it."

Yan Weichu then asked, "So, Master, you are also in favor of dealing with that eunuch?"

Yan Weichu blinked: "But I want you to give me advice."

After a moment of silence, the old Grand Tutor said: "If Your Majesty finds it difficult, you can have someone else handle it for you."

Yan Weichu’s smile faded a little. He said nothing more and returned his attention to the chessboard.

Zhao Anfu stood silently nearby.

For a while, only the sound of pieces being moved could be heard.

A long time later, Yan Weichu placed the final piece. He looked up at the Grand Tutor before him and said, "I’ll remember what you’ve taught me, Master. It’s getting late; I should return to the palace and not disturb you further."

Zhang Wenhuan stood to escort him out.

Only after Yan Weichu had gone far did the old Grand Tutor withdraw his gaze, looking back at the chessboard—the white pieces were one move away from winning, but lost.

Leaving the Grand Tutor’s estate, Yan Weichu suddenly paused as he was about to board the carriage. Expressionless, he looked up at the gray sky threatening rain ahead.

"Being emperor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be."

He muttered under his breath. Behind him, Zhao Anfu and the others lowered their heads, afraid to answer.

After a moment of silence, Yan Weichu stepped into the carriage. The door closed, and the carriage rolled away.

The royal procession did not return to the palace but went directly to the Jade Terrace in the Western Garden.

Compared to the palace, Yan Weichu preferred this place.

Shortly after entering, Cui Shao came to ask to see him, seeking Yan Weichu’s instructions on how to deal with the former Superintendent of the Eastern Depot, Wan Xuanju, who had been imprisoned in the Jinyiwei prison.

This Eunuch Wan was Empress Dowager Xie’s most favored eunuch. Over the years, he had committed numerous shady and immoral deeds under the Empress Dowager’s name, making him notorious.

"Keep him imprisoned for now. Wait until you’ve completely cleaned out the Eastern Depot from top to bottom," Yan Weichu said offhandedly.

Cui Shao bowed and agreed. The Emperor had ordered the Jinyiwei to conduct an internal review first before investigating the Eastern Depot—a sign of limited trust. But since it was the Emperor’s command, he would carry it out accordingly.

Not long after Cui Shao left, Zheng Shize also arrived.

The young man entered, bowed respectfully, and presented the list Yan Weichu had previously requested: "Everything is recorded here. Anyone who spent over a hundred taels in a single visit to my establishment is listed. Please review it, Your Majesty."

Yan Weichu took it and glanced through it. Nearly half of the officials with honors from the capital and beyond were on the list. Even if they hadn’t gone themselves, their worthless descendants had certainly indulged in that place to waste money.

Zheng Shize maintained a respectful expression but inwardly winced in pain—these were his patrons. He had no idea what the Young Emperor intended to do.

After scanning the list, Yan Weichu tossed it aside casually and asked Zheng Shize, "I want to get someone on my side, but he turns down the high positions and wealth I offer. Even gold and treasures don’t move him. How else can I appeal to him?"

Huh? There’s such a person?

Zheng Shize curled his lip: "To catch Your Majesty’s eye is the luck of his ancestors. What kind of ungrateful jerk is he?"

Yan Weichu frowned displeasedly: "Watch your mouth. He’s my cousin."

Oh, cousin.

Zheng Shize instantly understood: "If it’s the Marquis of Dingbei, then it is indeed tricky. After all, he is Empress Dowager Xie’s nephew and the heir to the Duke of Zhenguo. He already has high status and wealth, so it’s normal for him to look down on what Your Majesty offers."

Yan Weichu’s eyes held a trace of resentment.

Zheng Shize felt uneasy under the Young Emperor’s gaze and blurted out: "Then use a honey trap!"

"Since ancient times, even heroes struggle to bypass beauties," Zheng Shize said quickly. "The Marquis of Dingbei grew up on the frontier, surrounded by rough soldiers every day. He probably hasn’t seen many real beauties. The whispering in his ear strategy would definitely work on him."

Yan Weichu pressed his lips together, not immediately responding.

Zheng Shize chuckled a few times, getting worked up. "Besides, there are rumors outside that his old man promoted a concubine to the status of Duke of Zhenguo's principal wife and even wants to snatch the heir to the dukedom for the son she bore him. Like father, like son—the word 'lust' might just be Marquis of Dingbei's Achilles' heel."

There was no need for Zheng Shize to mention the matter of changing the heir; the memorial from Wulong regarding this was already in Yan Weichu's hands.

Duke of Zhenguo Xie Yuankui's first wife had passed away early, and he took a concubine while serving at the border. This in itself was not unusual, but Xie Yuankui was an impressionable fool who's easily swayed, manipulated by this scheming concubine who had borne him a younger son. As soon as the Senior Duke passed away, he immediately petitioned to elevate her to the status of principal wife and have her granted the title of Duchess of Zhenguo. Empress Dowager Xie, unable to resist his constant pestering, granted the request.

Thus, shortly after Yan Weichu granted Xie Xiao his title, Xie Yuankui argued that, according to custom, Xie Xiao must give up his position as Duke's heir, proposing instead that it be given to his younger son—who was now considered a legitimate heir and thus rightfully entitled to inherit the title.

Such a lack of propriety in the family inevitably invited ridicule.

Zheng Shize grew more convinced as he spoke. "Finding beautiful women is easy. If Your Majesty doesn’t have any here, I can help by selecting some unbedded courtesans from the Nevernight Quarter. My place is full of Jiangnan beauties."

Yan Weichu said disdainfully, "Marquis of Dingbei is not that kind of man."

Even that night at the Floating Dreams Pavilion, if he hadn’t been drugged, it wouldn't have happened.

"..." Zheng Shize spread his hands. "Then Your Majesty will have to figure it out yourself. I've got nothing."

After a moment of silence, Yan Weichu relented. "Select some people and bring them here in a couple of days. Let me look them over first."

Zheng Shize agreed cheerfully. "Sure thing! I guarantee Your Majesty will be satisfied!"

*

Zheng Shize acted immediately. The very next day, he selected twenty beauties and personally brought them to Yaotai.

Zhao Anfu also chose several dozen women from the Yeting (Imperial Harem) and the Jiaofangsi (Music Bureau), sending them all before the emperor.

There were plump and slender women, each with unique charms and extraordinary beauty.

Zheng Shize enthusiastically commented on each—this one with skin like ice and jade, that one with both talent and beauty, another with bright eyes and white teeth, captivating with every glance—truly beyond mere words like "beautiful."

Yan Weichu leaned back on the imperial throne, coolly surveying the entire group, though his thoughts remained unreadable.

Zhao Anfu spoke up, instructing the women to step forward one by one and introduce themselves.

Those who were too reserved or dull-witted were immediately eliminated.

After that, they were asked to demonstrate their skills—whether in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, or other arts.

Zhao Anfu carefully observed Yan Weichu’s expression, making decisions on his behalf about who to keep or dismiss.

Zheng Shize had originally hoped to use this opportunity to get closer to Yan Weichu, but sensing that Yan Weichu seemed displeased, he didn’t dare say much.

After this round, only thirty remained.

Yan Weichu finally spoke. "Ask them if they’ve studied, how much they know of the Four Books and Five Classics, and whether they can compose poetry or matching couplets."

Zheng Shize: "..."

He suspected that even Marquis of Dingbei himself couldn’t compose poetry or matching couplets.

This screening eliminated more than twenty others.

Only seven or eight were left on the field. Yan Weichu instructed, "Now ask them if they’ve trained in martial arts or studied military strategy."

Even Zhao Anfu couldn’t help but remind him, "Your Majesty, this might be asking too much..."

Yan Weichu insisted, "Ask."

Zheng Shize watched as beauty after beauty was screened out, and was left speechless.

Wasn’t this just about giving a minister some beautiful concubines? Not only did Your Majesty go to great lengths to personally select them, but you also demanded intelligence, beauty and talent, profound knowledge, and even martial and literary prowess...

If you're so picky, why don't you do it yourself!

Author’s note:

Young Emperor: Maybe I will.