Chapter 121

Chapter 121

"Pingcheng Commandery Prince? Shouldn't commandery princes be in their own fiefs? Why is he in Youyang?"

Since arriving in Youyang, Shen Yuan didn't pay much attention to other matters, focusing entirely on arts and entertainment. Xie Yulin and Emperor Wu also did their best to keep outsiders from bothering him, so his knowledge of these powerful families and high nobility was quite limited.

Chu Fan explained, "Except for Prince Rui, all the other princes and commandery princes are supposed to be in their own fiefs. Pingcheng Commandery Prince is at his fief, but his young son has lived in Youyang since childhood. That's the one downstairs, named Zhang Weiyuan. People of lower status respectfully call him Young Master Yuan."

As he spoke, Chu Fan lowered his voice. "The ministers back then wanted to have this young master adopted and put on the throne. Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Xie found a son of the previous emperor who'd been living in exile. The current emperor, as the late emperor's own son, was more legitimate than a commandery prince's son, so there was nothing to criticize. Originally, this young master was to be sent back to Pingcheng, but His Majesty, seeing his youth, had him stay in the capital to be looked after."

Shen Yuan understood.

Initially, to better control things, the ministers hadn't picked a successor from the immediate princes but had chosen a youth from a commandery prince's family to inherit the throne. They hadn't expected that one of the late emperor's sons had survived, living outside and escaping that disaster. He had essentially been intercepted.

Now, this young man remained in Youyang. While it was called "care," in reality, he was a hostage.

Shen Yuan casually asked, "Has His Majesty also kept an eye on other young masters of similar status?"

Chu Fan smiled slightly. "Yes, His Majesty is very kind-hearted."

Some kindness, indeed.

No wonder Chu Fan was so highly trusted—he sure knows how to talk.

Downstairs, Ji Shuang, hearing the commotion, had already rushed over and helped the worker who was kicked to his feet.

That kick was vicious; the worker couldn't even stand up on his own.

He was bent over, clutching his stomach in pain, his face pale.

Ji Shuang was unable to conceal his anger. "May I ask who you are? Why are you making trouble at our Storytellers' Guild and hurting our people?"

"Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that? Are you blind? You don't even recognize me?" Zhang Weiyuan raged, though it was unclear where such great anger came from.

A servant accompanying him immediately stepped forward. "This is the son of the Pingcheng Commandery Prince, Young Master Yuan. Are you blind? How dare you not recognize him?"

Nobles never came to the West District; it was all merchants and vendors. Where would Ji Shuang have met any commandery prince's son?

Still, from his clothes, Ji Shuang could tell he was someone of importance. But this person's attitude was extremely arrogant, and he had injured a Guild worker.

If Ji Shuang acted subserviently in this situation, it would disgrace his master.

Upstairs, Chu Fan couldn't hold Shen Yuan back.

But when Shen Yuan saw Ji Shuang appear, he paused, wanting to see how Ji Shuang would handle it.

Situations like this were bound to happen again. Youyang City was never short of people like Zhang Weiyuan.

He wouldn't always just happen to be at the Guild; Ji Shuang needed to stand firm.

Hearing Ji Shuang's questioning, Zhang Weiyuan gave an angry laugh.

He pushed aside the servant in front of him and stared at Ji Shuang. "You're just a servant, a mere slave. Who gave you the gall?"

"I'll not only hit him, I'll hit you too."

With that, Zhang Weiyuan raised his foot to kick. Ji Shuang, of course, wouldn't stand there and take it, swiftly sidestepping to avoid it.

Not expecting the other to dodge, Zhang Weiyuan kicked empty air and almost lost his balance and fell.

His servants reacted quickly, catching him and preventing a greater mishap.

Enraged, Zhang Weiyuan pointed at Ji Shuang and yelled, "Once the transfer paperwork for the Storytellers' Guild is finalized, let's see if you still dare to dodge!"

"I'm also going to see State Preceptor Shen and buy you from him. I'll beat you every day and leash you like a dog!"

Transfer paperwork?

Ji Shuang ignored the rest, his focus entirely on the first part.

"What does Young Master Yuan mean?"

Zhang Weiyuan thought Ji Shuang was scared. "It's too late to be afraid now. I will definitely buy you."

"What I'm asking about is the transfer paperwork for the Storytellers' Guild." Ji Shuang's expression was grave. He wasn't worried at all about being bought; he knew his master would never sell him.

This was absolute trust. The trust and sense of security his master had given him.

Zhang Weiyuan choked, thinking he was a loyal dog. Even at a time like this, he cared about the Storytellers' Guild instead of considering his own miserable future.

Well, he might as well say it.

"The stories and plays produced by this Guild have significant influence and must be placed under imperial management. The court has been deliberating the ownership of the Storytellers' Guild these past few days. The ministers unanimously recommended that I take charge, and the transfer will be completed today. Although your master doesn't attend court, it's truly pitiable that no one informed him of such a major matter."

Zhang Weiyuan said with great schadenfreude, "How can his connections be so poor? Among all the civil and military officials at court, not a single one is on good terms with him?"

Upstairs, Shen Yuan, who had been listening all along, showed no reaction.

Chu Fan, however, was very anxious. This matter wasn't intentionally hidden from Shen Yuan; it was part of the higher-ups' strategy.

It was indeed to be resolved today, but they hadn't expected Zhang Weiyuan to come and cause trouble.

Fearing Shen Yuan might misunderstand, Chu Fan quickly said, "State Preceptor Shen, things aren't as he says."

Shen Yuan smiled. "I know. Xie Yulin told me."

Knowing the circumstances, Chu Fan was taken aback and blurted out, "Huh? When?"

His surprise was understandable. During this period, the Prime Minister had practically taken up residence in the palace. His Majesty hadn't slept properly for several nights either. Along with General Chang, the three of them were busy around the clock.

Chu Fan occasionally went to the palace to report on the workshops. Sometimes when he went late, the Prime Minister was always there.

He hadn't seen the State Preceptor enter the palace. When had the Prime Minister spoken to him?

Shen Yuan's expression became somewhat unnatural.

That day, after his brother left after the meal, late at night he felt someone hugging him. Opening his eyes, he saw Xie Yulin, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Why are you here?" Seeing Xie Yulin had removed his outer robe and his hair was still slightly damp, Shen Yuan looked for a cloth to dry it.

Xie Yulin told Shen Yuan to stay comfortably in bed. "No need. I'll be leaving soon."

"I came to tell you something."

Shen Yuan shared half of his thin quilt with Xie Yulin and immediately sat up properly, waiting for him to speak.

"The collaboration between Wu and the North has caught the envious eyes of some. Your Storytellers' Union will become their target. No matter what happens later, you don't need to worry. I'll take care of it; just focus on writing your stories. Your stories are very important to Wu."

Shen Yuan nodded. "Is the plan to go along with their scheme and expose those who want to seize the business?"

"Yes," Xie Yulin replied. "If you hear any idle gossip, don't take it to heart. Don't be afraid."

Shen Yuan of course wasn't afraid. The value of the Storytellers' Union lay in his stories and the clothing and jewelry he designed, not in that building in West City or the workshops outside the city.

Without the ideas in his head, what use were a few buildings?

Even though Shen Yuan understood this perfectly, he deliberately teased Xie Yulin.

"No, Xie Yulin, I'm so scared," Shen Yuan said, taking the opportunity to hug Xie Yulin, playing it up to take advantage of him.

"What am I going to do? I'm so scared I can't sleep. Xie Yulin, you have to hold me more."

Although taking off his outer robe had gotten rid of most of the dampness, his hair was still somewhat wet. Xie Yulin helplessly took off the half of the thin quilt he was using and wrapped it entirely around Shen Yuan.

Wrapped up in the quilt, Shen Yuan opened his eyes wide and looked at Xie Yulin strangely.

"Old Xie, what do you mean by this?"

Xie Yulin was amused by Shen Yuan's odd tone. He kissed Shen Yuan's cheek, a brief touch before pulling away. "I'm still damp, and I'm afraid you'll catch a chill. Rest well. I'll have Luo Yun bring you some calming tea later."

"What calming tea? I can't sleep because I miss you," Shen Yuan said bluntly.

Xie Yulin suddenly asked, "Aren't you missing your wife?"

Shen Yuan was taken aback. Sure enough, the words his brother said to him during the day had been overheard by hidden guards and reported to Xie Yulin.

"I *am* missing my wife," Shen Yuan said, raising himself up to kiss Xie Yulin. Afraid he might fall, Xie Yulin reached out to support Shen Yuan's waist.

Shen Yuan chuckled. "You are my wife. I miss you every day."

"You've got some nerve," Xie Yulin said, looking down at Shen Yuan. In the end, reason prevailed. He carefully placed Shen Yuan back on the bed and quietly left the Shen residence.

Shen Yuan was prepared, believing Xie Yulin would resolve it.

He said to Chu Fan, "You told me as soon as your plan was finalized. Don't worry, I won't overthink it."

Chu Fan breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that State Preceptor Shen didn't misunderstand and create a rift with His Majesty and the others.

Downstairs, after hearing what Zhang Weiyuan said, Ji Shuang frowned deeply.

He was utterly disgusted by these high-ranking officials and nobles. They were nothing but robbers and bandits, always eyeing others' possessions, trying to seize them for themselves.

It was truly despicable.

"What kind of look is that?"

Zhang Weiyuan frowned, displeased. He couldn't understand how a mere servant dared to be so bold, constantly provoking him.

"If you wish to purchase books or discuss cooperation, Young Master, we can talk inside. If you are neither buying books nor discussing cooperation, I'm afraid our small shop cannot offer proper hospitality. Please leave."

"You're driving me away?" Zhang Weiyuan was shocked. "Are you insane?"

"Do you know who I am?"

"How dare you speak to me like this?"

"What are you, anyway?"

"Huh? Are you sick? How dare you?"

Upstairs, Shen Yuan, who had been watching the commotion below, knew Zhang Weiyuan had lost his composure.

Just as Zhang Weiyuan's blood rushed to his head, shouting about how a mere slave and lowly commoner dared to act this way, and was about to hit Ji Shuang, Shen Yuan spoke up in time. "Young Master Yuan keeps calling my deputy chairman a slave and a lowly commoner."

Shen Yuan paused for a moment, then raised his voice. "My deputy chairman is highly capable and kind-hearted. If his ancestors hadn't been forced by circumstances to sell themselves into servitude, how could someone of his caliber remain unnoticed?"

Walking downstairs, Shen Yuan shielded the union members behind him. He stared at Zhang Weiyuan, each word firm and powerful. "Even without a status like yours, Young Master Yuan, he still managed this large union entirely on his own merit. He has done an excellent and conscientious job. He didn't rely on anyone else; he relied only on himself."

"Young Master Yuan is indeed noble. But what do you rely on? The achievements of your ancestors? The care of your parents? Or do you rely on strutting arrogantly in my Storytellers' Union to humiliate a living person?"

"You certainly have great skill and ability. If you're truly so capable, why are you causing trouble here? If you have real ability, go and do something that can glorify your family and bring prosperity to the Pingcheng fiefdom. Instead of bullying others here, looking down on this person and that."

Hearing Shen Yuan's words, Ji Shuang felt a surge of warmth in his chest.

Suppressing the sting in his nose, he vowed in his heart to work even harder in the future, absolutely not causing his master any extra worry!

Meanwhile, Zhang Weiyuan was stunned by the scolding. When had he ever suffered such humiliation!

"And who are you!!!" Zhang Weiyuan shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Shen Yuan."

Zhang Weiyuan made a sound of surprise. His previous anger seemed to dissipate. His attitude underwent a dramatic change, his expression shifting as he smiled. "So you are State Preceptor Shen."

Shen Yuan found Zhang Weiyuan's probing gaze extremely uncomfortable.

"Your look is disgusting. Can you stop looking at me like that?"

Zhang Weiyuan's attendant finally found an opportunity to interject, reprimanding, "How dare you speak to Young Master Yuan like that? Such disrespect deserves severe punishment."

"Noble Young Master Yuan, your look is disgusting. Please don't look at me like that, may I?"

Shen Yuan repeated it with a polite attitude, not forgetting to ask the attendant, "Is that respectful enough?"

The attendant was left speechless. Zhang Weiyuan also finally understood why that servant dared to speak to him like that before.

If the upper beam is not straight, the lower ones will go aslant—this perfectly described this master and servant pair!

However, he hadn't forgotten his purpose for coming today. Since the person was right before him, there was no need for roundabout methods.

"Since State Preceptor Shen is here, you must have heard. The court is discussing handing over your Storytellers' Union to me. Don't you want to know who is behind this?"

Shen Yuan shook his head. "No. Can you leave?"

"Since you want to know..." Zhang Weiyuan, having clearly heard what Shen Yuan said, couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What did you say?"

"You don't want to know? Well, I insist on telling you. Why should I not speak just because you don't want to know?"

Zhang Weiyuan took a step forward. Shen Yuan stepped back.

"What are you avoiding? This person's identity is special. Only you and I should know!"

Shen Yuan really wasn't interested and couldn't be bothered to engage. He simply turned and walked away.

Zhang Weiyuan's eyes widened. He left?

He actually left?

Zhang Weiyuan gritted his teeth and hurried after him.

After putting some distance between them and the folks from the union, he lowered his voice, shielding his mouth with his hand. "All of this was done by Prime Minister Xie. He may seem to treat you as one of his own, but in reality, he secretly wants to take everything you have. State Preceptor, don't be sold out by Prime Minister Xie and still count his money for him."

Shen Yuan stopped walking.

So, he was here with a divide-and-conquer scheme.

And here I thought it was something important.

Zhang Weiyuan was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"Whatever he wants, I'll give it. Did you hear that clearly?" Shen Yuan's patience had its limits, but considering the other's status, he still showed some courtesy. "Tell the person who sent you to stop these underhanded tactics. They're useless."

It wasn't hard to guess that whoever sent Zhang Weiyuan must hold a high position.

Shen Yuan had no desire to get entangled in these twisty political games. He just wanted to write stories, tell stories, and live a good life with his family, friends, and staff.

Zhang Weiyuan was used to people speaking in half-truths, leaving him to guess the rest. Shen Yuan's blunt, straightforward words left him momentarily speechless.

With his plan having failed, Zhang Weiyuan didn't linger. He left with his men, his face dark with frustration.

Earlier, while still upstairs, Shen Yuan had already sent someone to fetch a doctor.

Now that the doctor had been brought over, he asked where the patient was.

Shen Yuan told Chu Fan to take a seat first and led the doctor to the backyard to see the worker who had been kicked.

Ji Shuang had already had someone help the worker to a bed.

The worker was young, only about sixteen or seventeen.

At that age in this world, he was hardly a naive child. Coming from a poor background, he knew he had made a grave mistake today.

When you worked for a master, the last thing you wanted was to cause them trouble.

Not only had he failed to properly receive the guest and gotten kicked, but he had also caused a conflict between his master and the guest.

The worker lay in despair on the bed. The pain in his abdomen seemed almost unnoticeable, overshadowed by waves of desolation.

It's over.

The good job he had worked so hard to get was going to be lost today.

More importantly, he was afraid of implicating Manager Ji.

It was Manager Ji who had given him this job in the first place. Today, he hadn't done well, and Manager Ji had spoken up for him. He didn't know if Manager Ji would be implicated because of him.

If Manager Ji were implicated because of him, he felt he could never repay it, even with his death.

When Shen Yuan arrived at the staff quarters, he saw the boy lying on the bed near the door, silently crying.

He didn't know how long the worker had been crying, but both sides of the pillow were wet.

Hearing movement at the door, the worker's face turned ashen. His eyes shifted, and seeing it was Shen Yuan, he jolted in shock.

The worker hurriedly tried to get up, tears flying from the corners of his eyes. Shen Yuan quickly pressed him down. "You're injured. Don't move."

The doctor sat down to examine him, but unexpectedly, the worker pulled his hand back, clutching it tightly. His eyes, red from crying, looked pleadingly at Shen Yuan. "President, can I not see the doctor?"

He was about to lose his job. The little money he had saved couldn't be touched at all; it was all needed to support his family.

"This humble one is not a precious person. It was just a kick; there's absolutely no problem. President, I promise, I don't need to see a doctor."

Shen Yuan wouldn't hear of it. "But you're in pain."

He said very seriously, "I think you are valuable. If you're injured, you must see a doctor and get treatment. Otherwise, not only will it hurt, but there could be hidden dangers. You were injured at the Guild. Don't worry about the consultation fee or medicine costs. Just focus on recovering well. Can you do that?"

The worker let out a low, dazed "ah."

His pain mattered to someone.

He... was valuable...

While the worker was still stunned, the doctor, at Shen Yuan's signal, began to examine his injury.

When his clothes were undone, Shen Yuan noticed other scars on the worker's body.

They seemed to be from whips, long since scarred over.

Shen Yuan knew this worker had been a delivery boy before.

Delivering goods to wealthy merchants or noble households, he must have been punished for some reason, leaving him covered in scars.

The doctor examined the worker meticulously. Fortunately, he was young. Although his body had been undernourished in earlier years, with proper care, there shouldn't be any major issues.

It was just that the bruise on his abdomen would take a while to fade. The doctor explained everything clearly.

It was exceedingly rare for a master to call a doctor to treat a worker or servant.

This was the first time the doctor had encountered such a situation, so he hesitated slightly when prescribing medicine.

Shen Yuan signaled for the doctor to step outside, and the doctor understood.

He estimated he might only get the consultation fee for this visit.

But even a master paying the consultation fee for a worker was unheard of.

"Thank you for your trouble, Doctor. Please prescribe the medicine. If the worker inside asks, please tell him the medicine isn't very expensive."

Shen Yuan could sense the worker was already filled with enough guilt. If he knew the price of the medicine, he would probably feel even worse.

The doctor looked deeply at Shen Yuan for a moment before saying, "State Preceptor, please rest assured. This humble one will definitely prescribe affordable yet effective medicine."