Chapter 2

Chapter 2

A bolt of violet lightning flashed, casting a grotesque shadow on the glazed tiles of the Qingliang Hall. Outside the window, the sky had turned pitch black, an ominous and terrifying sight.

Bean-sized raindrops pounded against the steps and eaves with the momentum of a thousand stampeding horses.

The Grand Secretaries in the hall couldn't help but gasp, all turning to look out the window.

Just before the court session adjourned, the Sixth Prince, Shen Chen, had suddenly compared the social mores of the Han Dynasty to those of their own court. He claimed there was no shame in men loving men and hoped Emperor Shunyuan would emulate the wise Emperor Wen of Han by fostering open discussion to guide public perception.

Naturally, Emperor Shunyuan was incensed.

Since the founding emperor's reign, the Da Qian Dynasty had strictly forbidden love between men. Years of war had depleted the population of able-bodied men. Men and women needed to marry and produce offspring to replenish the numbers.

Later, relationships between men became a complete taboo. The authorities raided countless establishments catering to male clients every year. Anyone daring to sell male companionship faced punishment ranging from thirty lashes to exile.

Considering the Sixth Prince was young and impulsive, likely misled by others, Emperor Shunyuan decided on a minor punishment as a warning. He ordered Shen Chen to kneel in front of the Qingliang Hall for three double-hours. Little did anyone expect the sudden change in weather and the downpour.

But the Emperor was still seething, and no one dared to plead for mercy.

Emperor Shunyuan was notoriously strict and unpredictable, his moods shifting faster than turning a page. At this moment, he paid no mind to Shen Chen getting drenched in the rain. Instead, he gathered his Grand Secretaries in the Qingliang Hall to discuss the Spring Terrace Chess Tournament.

The Spring Terrace Chess Tournament was a grand national event. Chess masters from every province would travel to the capital to compete in open matches outside the Huiyang Gate. The top three would be invited into the palace to receive personal commendation from the Emperor and be bestowed the title of National Master.

However, this year, the situation was different.

Nanping had caught wind of this event and decided to send three prodigious youths to participate and challenge Da Qian's chess masters.

"I think Nanping is deliberately trying to upset us!" declared Liu Chenming, the Minister of Rites, indignantly.

"Nanping just suffered a defeat at the border and was forced to return our Fifth Prince. Their words may sound pleasant, but they are certainly resentful at heart," said Chief Grand Secretary Gong Zhiyuan, who kept his cool. He took a sip of tea and spoke unhurriedly, "Why panic? Our Da Qian has talent to spare. It's not a foregone conclusion that we'll lose."

Bo Zhangyi, the Minister of Revenue, said, "We must not underestimate the enemy. Nanping must have come prepared. In my opinion, we should simply gather past National Masters, have them pose as commoners, and compete outside the Huiyang Gate to leave nothing to chance."

Luo Mingpu, the Vice Minister of Justice, countered, "That would violate the original purpose of the Spring Terrace Chess Tournament. This is supposed to be a celebration shared with the people. What's the point if the National Masters just play among themselves?"

Bo Zhangyi retorted, "Isn't defeating Nanping more important than your so-called 'enjoyment'?"

Luo Mingpu sneered, "Minister Bo, if Nanping sends people every year, are we to have no commoners participate every year as well?"

Bo Zhangyi angrily replied, "We'll deal with next year's problems next year!"

The Grand Secretaries argued back and forth, their voices rising, until they were nearly at each other's throats, each accusing the other of endangering the nation.

Emperor Shunyuan, annoyed by their bickering, waved his hand to silence them. Then, his gaze fell upon Wen Zuo, who was seated farthest away.

"Wanshan, what do you say?"

Wen Zuo had been sitting rigidly for an hour, utterly unable to believe what was happening.

He had suddenly found himself transported from the execution ground on the Imperial Palace Avenue to this place. The agony of being pierced by ten thousand arrows was gone. The deafening cries of the ministers were gone. The new Emperor's mocking, cold gaze was gone.

Before him was the aged Emperor Shunyuan. Beside him sat the contentious Grand Secretaries. And outside the Qingliang Hall, Shen Chen, still a prince, was kneeling in the rain.

He had truly returned to the 23rd year of the Shunyuan reign!

This might be related to the bizarre celestial light he saw as he was dying. He just didn't know if anyone else besides him had returned to this moment.

Wen Zuo had no leisure to process his astonishment. Shaking the folding fan in his hand, he desperately tried to recall the scenes from his previous life. After a moment's thought, he feigned innocence: "Your Excellencies each hold your own views and are arguing fiercely. I am not a Grand Secretary. Your Majesty calling on me now is just asking me to offend people."

At this moment, all the court officials were trapped in the damp, cold makeshift shelters by the heavy rain. Only Wen Zuo had received the special grace to accompany the Grand Secretaries to the Qingliang Hall for tea and shelter from the rain, a clear sign of his extraordinary favor.

"Always with the clever schemes!" Emperor Shunyuan coughed angrily into a handkerchief, pointing two fingers at Wen Zuo. "If not for your scandalous behavior and unrestrained philandering, which tarnishes Our dignity, with your position as Hanlin Academy Director, you should have long entered the Grand Secretariat! No, you must speak today!"

Wen Zuo hurriedly lowered his eyes, hiding the shadow beneath his lashes, and sighed helplessly, as if he didn't even have the energy to fan himself anymore.

"Your subject... obeys the decree."

But he knew well that it was precisely this appearance of disinterest in power that made Emperor Shunyuan value him so.

As an emperor aged, he began to fear being replaced, to fear the loss of power. Anyone who eyed his throne became a thorn in his side—even his own sons were no exception.

Gong Zhiyuan set down his tea, merely lifting his aged eyelids to silently observe Wen Zuo.

If Wen Zuo entered the Grand Secretariat, the first person threatened would be Gong Zhiyuan himself. The Hanlin Academy Director held a rank of First Pin. At the very least, the Emperor would grant him the position of Assistant Grand Secretary. Wen Zuo was only twenty-four this year. His meteoric rise was like climbing a ladder to heaven, truly intimidating.

"Stop looking so reluctant. We remember you are also a skilled chess player," Emperor Shunyuan said, eyeing him.

He dared to say this because he knew clearly that Da Qian was destined to lose this contest.

This was no simple competition of chess skill. It was a long-brewing conspiracy.

He continued, "However, we cannot be completely unprepared. Those famous veteran National Masters cannot show their faces openly, but having them select a few of their most accomplished disciples to participate is feasible. As long as we ensure the Nanping players cannot enter the top three, it won't be considered Da Qian bullying them."

After listening, Emperor Shunyuan nodded. "That makes some sense. Let Nanping come if they wish. It will be a good opportunity for Our Da Qian subjects to crush their arrogance!"

It was essentially the same idea. When Gong Zhiyuan said it, Emperor Shunyuan remained noncommittal. When Wen Zuo said it, the Emperor expressed approval. This made the Chief Grand Secretary's face feel somewhat strained.

Before his aged countenance could fully fall, he noticed his son-in-law, Xie Langyang, the Vice Minister of Personnel, seated not far away, looking even more worried.

Gong Zhiyuan was utterly perplexed.

Today, during the Grand Secretariat discussion, the Crown Prince Faction and the Virtuous Prince Faction had argued fiercely. Yet, Xie Langyang seemed like a lost soul, not uttering a word, only frequently glancing sideways towards Wen Zuo, even neglecting to listen to the Emperor's words.

Xie Langyang was still staring. Gong Zhiyuan felt extremely uncomfortable.

Wen Zuo's face was truly captivating. His eyes were like peach stones, his brows like distant mountains. He resembled a white camellia under the glow of the evening clouds, or an immortal beauty in a crystal cup. Every smile and frown could easily make one lose their senses.

Thankfully, with such looks, he was a man. Otherwise, he would surely be a demon destined to bring chaos to the court.

"Hengze, do you have anything to say?" Gong Zhiyuan deliberately called him by his courtesy name.

Xie Langyang only shifted his gaze when his father-in-law called him. He moved his lips and said absentmindedly, "I have nothing to say."

After responding to Gong Zhiyuan, Xie Langyang couldn't help but look towards Wen Zuo again.

By now, the heavy rain had been pouring for two full hours, and Shen Chen had been soaking outside for the same duration.

In his previous life, Wen Zuo had pleaded with Emperor Shunyuan for mercy halfway through the discussion about the Spring Terrace Chess Tournament. Although displeased, Emperor Shunyuan couldn't withstand Wen Zuo's silver tongue and his citations of classics, which finally stirred the Emperor's limited paternal affection, sparing Shen Chen from a serious illness.

Of course, only Wen Zuo dared to interrupt Emperor Shunyuan during a discussion. Anyone else would likely be shouted down before they could even appeal to his emotions, as Emperor Shunyuan truly didn't care much for Shen Chen.

Shen Chen was born on the anniversary of Imperial Consort Chen's death. Emperor Shunyuan was consumed by grief and didn't even come to see him. Hearing the infant was jaundiced and possibly suffering from a congenital illness, the Emperor merely gave a bland order to summon a physician.

As he grew up, Shen Chen had neither maternal relatives for support nor court ministers to champion him. Even Gong Zhiyuan, who married his daughter to him, didn't believe he could become emperor.

Xie Langyang was simultaneously shocked by his own return to the past and terrified that the course of events was deviating.

Wen Zuo actually hadn't pleaded for mercy yet!

Could it be that...

Another series of muffled thunderclaps shook the very ground, as if the heavens themselves were furious, showing no sign of stopping.

"Oh my, the rain is getting heavier," Liu Quan, the Director of Ceremonial, peered through the glazed window panels with just the right amount of concern in his tone.

At the foot of the stone steps knelt a disheveled figure, soaked to the bone, robes caked in mud, swaying unsteadily under the relentless downpour—it was the Sixth Prince, Shen Chen.

A few young eunuchs stood at a distance, hesitating and not daring to approach, and could only watch helplessly as the prince endured the storm.

In such heavy rain, the raindrops felt like stones pelting the body, chilling one to the bone and aching the back.

Shen Chen was on the verge of collapse!

He had clearly overcome countless hardships, cleared all obstacles, and ascended to the imperial throne. Yet, after only a month, a sudden flash of white light appeared, and before he could react, he found himself back at the most pitiful and humiliating moment of his life.

Those three years felt like a heart-stopping dream. Now that the dream had ended, he had lost everything.

He hadn’t even had time to cultivate the majesty and bearing of an emperor!

Shen Chen’s heart was filled with anger and confusion, with no one to confide in. Under the open sky, there was not a soul in sight. Even the eunuchs took shelter under the eaves, sighing and sneering as they watched him.

He had no idea how long he had been kneeling. His legs had long gone numb from the pain, and his body trembled uncontrollably. In a moment of carelessness, he bit his tongue, a sharp pain shooting through him as his mouth filled with blood.

He vaguely remembered that in his previous life, it hadn’t been this unbearable, because just as the numbness set in from kneeling, Wen Zuo had come out with an umbrella to bring him in.

Where was Wen Zuo?

Shen Chen suddenly lifted his head, gazing toward the warmly lit Qingliang Hall, where shadows flickered and firelight danced. A faint glimmer of hope stirred in his heart—it should be soon.

According to his memory, Wen Zuo should have come out to protect him by now.

Yet, even as the shadows stilled and the eunuchs dispersed, no one emerged.

Why hadn’t Wen Zuo pleaded for him yet? Why hadn’t he come to help him up? Could it be that all his carefully crafted lies had been in vain?

Or... perhaps he wasn’t the only one who had returned from the execution ground!

Shen Chen shuddered violently.

Liu Quan waited a moment, noticing that Emperor Shunyuan did not respond.

He glanced outside once more before indifferently withdrawing his gaze, instructing someone to refill Wen Zuo’s empty teacup.

Though he intended to plead for Shen Chen, he knew full well that Emperor Shunyuan’s anger had not yet subsided. Thus, any plea had to be measured, ensuring he did not implicate himself.

"My thanks, Eunuch," Wen Zuo extended his flawless, pale fingers, lifted the teacup, lowered his gaze, and gently blew away the rising steam before taking slow, deliberate sips.

Liu Quan smiled. "Minister Wen seems quite fond of this tea."

Wen Zuo’s lips grew red and moist from the tea, his entire body relaxed. Setting down the cup, he chuckled softly, "This is Songluo Tea from Huizhou Prefecture, isn’t it? Its color resembles white pear, and drinking it is like chewing snow. Indeed, only His Majesty’s palace offers such a delight. I wish I could take some back with me."

In the past, he had been too worried about Shen Chen to properly savor the Songluo Tea. He suffered from an old ailment—on rainy days, his joints ached sharply, making it impossible to sleep through the night unless he warmed himself thoroughly.

After helping Shen Chen up from the storm, he had been in pain for seven full days, even finding it agonizing to attend court.

Truly, sitting and drinking hot tea was far more comfortable.

Emperor Shunyuan shot him a sidelong glance, seeing right through him. "Enough with the hints. Haven’t you made off with enough from me already?"

Seeing Wen Zuo’s crestfallen expression, Emperor Shunyuan quickly waved a hand, as if dealing with a troublesome imp. "...Fine, take it, take it, take it. If it’s not enough, just ask me for more!"

Wen Zuo’s eyes instantly lit up with a smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Xie Langyang was frantic with worry.

Shen Chen was still suffering outside, while Wen Zuo leisurely savored his tea.

He knew Shen Chen had wronged Wen Zuo, but since ancient times, the state was the foundation of the people, and the ruler was the foundation of the ministers. The one kneeling outside was the future Emperor Shengde. The area before Qingliang Hall was open and exposed, with no shelter. What if a stray bolt of lightning struck?

He wanted to say that since they had been given a second chance, there were still many opportunities to change things. He was willing to work together with Wen Zuo to make Shen Chen retract his decree.

But for now, the priority was to rescue Shen Chen.

With that thought, Xie Langyang could no longer worry about arousing suspicion. He leaned forward, his arm reaching across the table, and whispered, "Wanshan..."

"What does Minister Xie wish to say?" Wen Zuo sat as steady as Mount Tai, not even glancing at Xie Langyang. Just then, Liu Quan brought over the Songluo Tea, and Wen Zuo devoted himself to savoring its aroma.

"I have countless thoughts I wish to share with you, but it has already been two hours. The urgent matter now—" To prevent others from hearing, Xie Langyang had to lean closer to Wen Zuo’s ear.

Unexpectedly, Wen Zuo immediately pulled away, asking in confusion, "Minister Xie, speak louder. What do we have to fear others hearing?"

Xie Langyang was taken aback, not expecting Wen Zuo to respond this way. For a moment, he was at a loss.

Now, not only did Gong Zhiyuan find it strange, but even Emperor Shunyuan frowned. "Does Minister Xie have something to say?"

Seeing that Wen Zuo was truly determined to ignore Shen Chen’s plight, sweat beaded on Xie Langyang’s forehead. But for him, who knew the future, protecting the new emperor was a minister’s duty. So, he could no longer hesitate. Steeling himself, he rose to his feet, lifted his robe, and knelt before Emperor Shunyuan.

"Your Majesty, I have read the words of ancient sages, which say that parents should reward and cherish their wise and outstanding children, but also show compassion to the foolish and dull. The Sixth Prince is foolish and dull. As the sovereign, it is right for Your Majesty to punish him. But as a father, I beg Your Majesty to show him a little compassion."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wen Zuo laughed aloud.

What Xie Langyang said was almost exactly what he had said in his previous life.

Back then, it hadn’t been easy for him to recall that line from the *Family Instructions of the Yan Clan*, which he had read a decade earlier. Xie Langyang certainly knew how to pick ready-made phrases.

But now, with his laughter, Emperor Shunyuan had no time to ponder the deeper meaning of Xie Langyang’s words. Instead, he asked curiously, "What are you laughing at, Wanshan?"

Wen Zuo rose, swaying his fan, and caught sight of Xie Langyang glaring and shaking his head.

Xie Langyang was truly anxious, seeing that Wen Zuo not only refused to help but was also about to cause trouble.

Unfortunately, his eloquence had never matched Wen Zuo’s, and Wen Zuo completely ignored his warning glance.

"The Emperor is the father of all the people, not the father of one individual. The Sixth Prince’s reckless words undermine the state’s foundation and violate court principles. By punishing him, the Emperor shows compassion to all the people. The ancients also said, 'To reward when one should admonish, to laugh when one should scold—when the child grows up, he will think this is the proper way.' This is what is meant by 'a strict father’s love lies in discipline.' Why can’t Minister Xie understand His Majesty’s good intentions?"

This meant that if one rewarded when they should have admonished or indulged when they should have reprimanded, the child would grow up confused and lacking in reverence.

After speaking, Wen Zuo gracefully sat back in his chair, muttering under his breath, "I recall that after the line 'show compassion to the foolish and dull,' it says, 'Those who show favoritism, though they may intend to treat them well, end up harming them.' It actually speaks of parents treating their children fairly, without bias. It’s not good for Minister Xie to have only a superficial understanding of his readings."

Xie Langyang was instantly rendered speechless, a cold sweat breaking out all over his back.

Wen Zuo’s smiling yet cutting retort left his mind blank, especially that phrase "reckless words"... Wen Zuo had actually said so calmly that love between people of the same sex was reckless.

That was the very affection they had carefully hidden, their precious bond.

In truth, Emperor Shunyuan had no such "good intentions." He was simply angry, and when angry, he punished. As for how this timid and unlikable son fared, he hadn’t given it a second thought.

"I... am ashamed," Xie Langyang bowed his head in a kowtow, stumbling against the table leg before collapsing back into his seat.

He understood now—only Wen Zuo could successfully plead for mercy. Anyone else’s efforts were in vain.

At this time, Wen Zuo formed no factions, coveted no power, amassed no wealth. He spent his days leisurely and carefree, one of the few ministers in Emperor Shunyuan’s eyes who was fair and loyal, yet in reality, a man of immense influence.

But... could it be that Wen Zuo no longer held even a shred of affection for him?