Chapter 12 Young Teacher

Chapter 12: The Young Tutor

Regardless of whether Young Master Jiang was a cut-sleeve or not, after the heart-to-heart talk that night, he had become a trusted member of the Crown Prince's household.

In early spring, the ice and snow in the capital had melted. Although the chill had not completely faded, the plants and trees basked in the sun, radiating vibrant vitality.

After several days of calm in the capital, a galloping horse shattered the peace of the official road, its thunderous hooves seeming to split the palace gates open.

News swept into the palace with the fast horse, shocking the entire court!

The Southern Commander of the Embroidered-Uniform Guard, on his way back to the capital, heard tales of a rare treasure. He thus made a detour to Shuntao County to investigate, intending to find the treasure and present it to His Majesty. Unexpectedly, he stumbled upon officials secretly swapping the official relief grain destined for Jiangbei!

Theft and sale of official grain, delaying disaster relief—the Son of Heaven was furious. He secretly ordered the Commander to mobilize the Huaizhou Garrison to intercept the grain carts. All those originally responsible for the relief efforts were arrested and are now being escorted back to the capital.

When Jiang Linque received the news, he stood shocked and enraged for a long moment. Turning around, he held the letter in his hand to the incense burner's flame and threw it into a bronze basin.

The grain was sold by the Jiang and Shangguan families, so they had naturally been tracking news along the route.

Shuntao County was crucial. When the news of a successful grain swap failed to arrive on time, Jiang Linque had vaguely sensed something was amiss.

And then the incident occurred.

His eldest son, Vice Minister of Revenue Jiang Yinhan, faced Jiang Linque's wrath with trembling lips, sweat beading on his forehead.

"The news somehow leaked," Vice Minister Jiang said, his face filled with panic. "No matter what, it shouldn't have happened in Shuntao County!"

Being discovered en route was different from being caught in Jiangbei. It could only mean a problem from within their own ranks—there was a traitor.

But who could it be?

The officials responsible for escorting the grain had received benefits, and if the truth came out, they would be the first to face consequences, so it couldn't be them.

The grain merchants had no knowledge of the grain's origin, so leaking secrets was out of the question.

Those transmitting messages were all hereditary servants of the Jiang and Shangguan families, their entire families' lives held in their masters' hands; they wouldn't dare betray.

As for those within the Jiang and Shangguan families who were in the know, that was even more impossible. Unless they were mad, they wouldn't throw themselves into the fire.

Not only could Vice Minister Jiang not figure it out, Jiang Linque himself was utterly perplexed.

No matter how hard they racked their brains, they would never suspect Jiang Yanzhou.

Although furious, Jiang Linque's mind calmed in an extremely short time. The disaster relief matter must not implicate the Jiang family. He had to make a decision immediately.

A cold glint flashed in Jiang Linque's eyes. He raised his head, his beard trembling, then closed his eyes as if reluctant. "Go see your Uncle Shangguan. Take a message from your father: tell him I will take good care of the remaining members of the Shangguan family."

Abandoning the pawn to save the king—this was their usual tactic. Now, it had come to discarding the Shangguan family.

Jiang Yinhan shuddered, bowed his head, and mumbled, "Yes."

But abandoning the Shangguan family was like cutting off an arm. Jiang Linque was actually unwilling. His anger still simmering, he said in a low voice, "Investigate. I don't believe the Embroidered-Uniform Guard appeared in Shuntao County to search for some rare treasure. Exactly where did the leak occur? If we don't get to the bottom of this, are we to wait to be stabbed in the back again in the future?"

As Jiang Linque spoke, the shock and anger he had just suppressed resurfaced. Jiang Yinhan lowered his head even further, hardly daring to breathe.

Only after Jiang Linque's chest heaved and he vented this fury did he flick his sleeve and look out the window.

"A joint trial by the three judicial departments—this matter will most likely be handed over to the Crown Prince."

Beside the Crown Prince, they still had Jiang Yanzhou.

Jiang Linque stood firm. "Send someone to the Crown Prince's residence. Say we request an audience with the Crown Princess, and inquire if the ceremonial return visit can be scheduled soon."

The warm sun cast thick shadows beneath the layers of eaves. Where the heavenly light could not illuminate, there lay only mire and chronic maladies.

A storm was brewing.

In contrast to the heavy atmosphere within the Jiang residence, in the Crown Prince's residence, the new buds of early spring had emerged. A bird perched on the round, bulging bronze vat carved with peonies in the courtyard, looking down at the koi in the water, hopping about and chirping cheerfully.

The pavilion in Yan Gui Xuan had gauze curtains hung to block the wind from all sides. A soft *pat-pat* sound came from within—Jiang Yanzhou was playing chess with Liu Hexuan.

Liu Hexuan: "Land tax is the foundation of the aristocratic families. Young Master, you say the land tax of the Jiang family in Ningzhou has problems, but currently, no one can investigate it, and no one dares to... Ah, Young Master, perhaps try placing your piece here."

Jiang Yanzhou held a white piece between his fingers, pondering over the board with difficulty.

His hand was smoother and more lustrous than jade. He placed the piece only after Liu Hexuan's guidance. "Timing. Land tax requires timing. I suspect this time, Lord Shangguan will use his own life to protect the Shangguan family. Even if they fall, the land tax in Cangzhou still cannot be touched... Hmm, I understand this move now!"

Jiang Yanzhou had never learned chess; Liu Hexuan was teaching him.

Jiang Yanzhou had originally intended to choose an auspicious day to formally visit Liu Hexuan. Unexpectedly, after his health improved a bit, Liu Hexuan truly, as Xiao Yunlang had said, took the initiative to come chat with him and relieve his boredom.

It nearly scared Jiang Yanzhou into falling off the daybed.

Liu Hexuan had never met a scion of an aristocratic family like Jiang Yanzhou.

The Six Arts of a gentleman—plus music, chess, and painting—these were compulsory studies for aristocratic families. Whether they were mastered or not was another matter, but one shouldn't be completely ignorant.

If Jiang Yanzhou was frail and couldn't learn archery and charioteering, that was understandable. But chess and calligraphy, he was also... Liu Hexuan had already witnessed Jiang Yanzhou's handwriting.

No wonder Xiao Yunlang's expression had been indescribable at the time; he had put it quite tactfully.

Yet, when Liu Hexuan discussed court politics with him, analyzing pros and cons, Jiang Yanzhou could discuss it knowledgeably, displaying extraordinary talent and learning.

He could even directly bring up a major crime like the Jiang family's land tax having issues.

Liu Hexuan silently sketched a portrait in his mind: Young Master Jiang, an extraordinary man.

Liu Hexuan looked at the chessboard. "Young Master is intelligent; you learn chess quickly."

Jiang Yanzhou smiled sheepishly. "It's because you teach well, Sir."

He never had the chance to learn these things before. Now that someone was willing to teach him, he naturally studied seriously.

"How could I possibly be worthy of being called your teacher, Young Master?" Liu Hexuan said. "We are colleagues now. You are the youngest 'Young Teacher' in the Crown Prince's residence."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yanzhou's snow-white earlobes instantly flushed red. "How can I be mentioned in the same breath as you? Please don't joke, Sir!"

Liu Hexuan saw his flustered expression, but when he heard the words "Young Teacher," his eyes clearly held a hint of indescribable delight.

Liu Hexuan had once seen an unprotected child who unexpectedly received a piece of candy, surprised yet unable to resist secretly rejoicing—that was exactly the expression.

A heart of pure innocence. Jiang Linque's son actually possessed a heart of pure innocence.

Jiang Yanzhou probably wasn't close to his father. Otherwise, influenced by his surroundings, he would have been corrupted long ago.

How could he be like this now? Upon their first meeting, Liu Hexuan noticed that when Jiang Yanzhou looked at him, his clear, autumn-water-like eyes held a sky full of stars. Even without speaking, Liu Hexuan could deeply feel his overflowing joy and admiration.

Liu Hexuan had heard countless praises since childhood, but none matched the brilliance in Jiang Yanzhou's eyes.

With such eloquent eyes, coupled with his face, he truly was very easy to like.

Liu Hexuan's expression was mild and gentle. "If you don't mind, you may call me by my courtesy name."

Liu Hexuan, who already had a courtesy name, knew that to show familiarity, one would directly use it.

Under Liu Hexuan's warm gaze, Jiang Yanzhou's pale cheeks gradually flushed pink. His lips moved slightly, and after a long pause, he finally managed a murmur: "...Then... Ziyu?"

He spoke softly, but his eyes sparkled brightly, brimming with anticipation.

Shyness and boldness mingled within him, a sight that could melt one's heart.

Xiao Yunlang was his lord. A young man like Jiang Yanzhou, however, was more suited to be treated as a younger brother in the family.

Speaking to him, Liu Hexuan's voice grew several shades softer as he accepted the address. "Mm."

A faint smile immediately spread across Jiang Yanzhou's brows and eyes.

Liu Hexuan put away the chess pieces. "Let's stop here for today. Don't sit outside for too long either. I'll come to see you another day."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded eagerly like a chick pecking at rice. "Okay!"

He seemed genuinely obedient, showing no trace of the ferocity with which he had once dragged the Prince of Jin into the water.

Jiang Yanzhou knew Liu Hexuan still had official duties to attend to. In recent days, the disaster relief case was under trial. Xiao Yunlang was so busy he barely touched the ground, yet he had made time to visit once, concerned about his illness.

And this, Jiang Yanzhou had learned from Feng Lan.

Because the time Xiao Yunlang came, he had been given his medicine and had fallen asleep.

Feng Lan said the Crown Prince had questioned the physician in detail. Upon learning Jiang Yanzhou was much better, he was relieved and hurried off, not even having time for a sip of tea.

Xiao Yunlang personally reviewed the confessions of the imprisoned officials, striving to build as strong a case as possible against the Jiang family.

Even if they couldn't topple the Jiang family, they absolutely had to pave the way for the upcoming cabinet reforms.

On this matter, Xiao Yunlang and the Emperor's interests were aligned. Therefore, the Emperor didn't press too much about whether the Imperial Guards had truly passed by Shuntao County in passing. After all, a useful blade is a good blade.

The Emperor had caught the ironclad evidence of aristocratic families embezzling disaster relief grain. He had displayed anger on the surface but was secretly delighted. This was a perfect opportunity delivered to his doorstep.

It was just a bit taxing on the Crown Prince, who had become as busy as a spinning top.

Speaking of their last meeting, after Jiang Yanzhou said, "I'm not wronged," he had felt Xiao Yunlang's expression turn peculiar for a moment, and his demeanor carried an indescribably subtle nuance.

However, since it was fleeting, it might have been his imagination.

A servant drew back the gauze curtain of the pavilion, and Jiang Yanzhou stepped out, cradling a hand warmer.

Since falling into the water, whenever he left his room, he always wore a heavy fur cloak. The fluffy collar encircled his cheeks, making him look as pure and lovely as jade and snow.

He was just too thin.

Yan Gui Xuan was the Crown Princess's residence, so it was, of course, quite spacious. Before Jiang Yanzhou could even walk back from the pavilion, a servant came to report that someone from the Jiang family had come requesting an audience.

"It's the Jiang family's steward. He says he brought the tonic medicines you commonly used back at the Jiang residence, inquiring after your health and asking when you will return for the home visit."

Home visit?

Jiang Yanzhou's mind raced.

According to Daqi customs, the time for the home visit had long passed. For Jiang Linque to mention it now was likely to sound out his standing with the Crown Prince and whether he could assist the Jiang family.

He hadn't written any letters to the Jiang family, and the antidote for "Bujianyue" hadn't been sent over either. There were only a few days left until the fifteenth of this month, the time the poison would take effect.

Anything entering the Crown Prince's residence had to be inspected, so the tonic medicine brought by the steward couldn't possibly be the antidote. Instead, it was a reminder not to forget he was still poisoned.

Coercion and inducement—Chancellor Jiang played them masterfully.

Jiang Yanzhou's mind worked just as swiftly.

He adjusted his hold on the hand warmer and exhaled a light breath of cool air. "Refuse him. Say I'm unwell today and not fit to receive guests. As for the home visit, once the Crown Prince and I have discussed and settled on arrangements, we will send word in advance."

The servant acknowledged the order.

A home visit required preparing gifts. Initially, Jiang Yanzhou was reluctant at the thought of giving the best and most expensive things to the Jiang family.

But then it occurred to him: later, when the Jiang family was confiscated, their possessions would enter the national treasury, wouldn't they? So, they'd still belong to the court.

Thinking this, Jiang Yanzhou didn't mind anymore.

He would discuss with Xiao Yunlang and pick a time for the home visit.

He needed to see Jiang Linque to get the antidote.

Finally able to go out, but calculating briefly, he couldn't even spare time for a stroll temporarily.

Because today he still had to go out to meet another person first.

A person named Wei Wuyou.

Wei Wuyou was the illegitimate son of a collateral branch of the Wei family—the same Wei family as Imperial Concubine Wei.

The reason aristocratic families were deeply rooted was, first, their large numbers, and second, that whether children were from the main line, collateral branches, or even retainers, they all received education and upbringing. The capable ones were selected for the most suitable positions, with everyone working together to uphold the family.

Having received favors, one had to repay them, so their surname was tightly bound to the trajectory of their lives.

But Wei Wuyou was somewhat different.

His mother came from a brothel. His father was her patron. Through their long-term association, she unexpectedly became pregnant and gave birth.

In such a situation, she should have been taken into the household. But the Wei family said her lowly status made her unworthy to enter the Wei gates; she couldn't even be a concubine.

Wei Wuyou's mother had no choice but to buy her own freedom, renting a small house on the outskirts of the capital to live with Wei Wuyou.

She scrimped and saved to provide for her child's education.

Wei Wuyou was also determined. He was talented, earning an official position through his own efforts. He was exceptionally skilled at writing poetry and painting.

Seeing Wei Wuyou so accomplished, the Wei family then came to their door, wanting to formally recognize both mother and son.

Wei Wuyou's mother had long yearned for this day, hoping for a real home and for her child to be acknowledged by his ancestors—it became an obsession.

Wei Wuyou was filial, so he had no choice but to return to the Wei family with his mother.

Once he became part of the Wei family and entered officialdom, he had to work for them. But after personally witnessing the Wei family's actions and methods, he found them utterly shocking and horrifying!

Wei Wuyou refused to collude with them in their wrongdoing. Yet, on her deathbed, his mother held his hand, her final words being that he must stay well within the Wei family.

He couldn't bring himself to join forces with treacherous officials, nor could he defy his mother's dying wish by opposing the Wei family. Caught between loyalty and filial piety, he ultimately resigned from office under the pretext of observing mourning for his mother, becoming an idle gentleman.

Although he gained the reputation of being "peerless in both poetry and painting," his lofty aspirations remained unfulfilled. From then on, he became melancholy and despondent, leaving behind many timeless poetic masterpieces. He took to heavy drinking daily and passed away at a young age.

He was like a meteor, swiftly streaking across the night sky of Daqi, leaving everyone sighing in regret.

But now that Wei Wuyou is still alive, Jiang Yanzhou wants to try recruiting him to serve the Crown Prince.

Such a talent truly should not end his days in despondency. If he could be persuaded to re-enter officialdom, it would not only be a huge asset for Xiao Yunlang but also keep his talent in the world.

Jiang Yanzhou is a great admirer of his poetry, though sometimes he found his own reactions to it puzzling.

Because some of Wei Wuyou's poems clearly expressed sentiments like "better to withdraw from the world," but Jiang Yanzhou simply felt death didn't matter to him, never having considered seeking it out.

So, his connection to Wei Wuyou's poetry definitely wasn't resonance—he just thought the imagery was beautiful.

Seeing Feng Lan approach, Jiang Yanzhou asked, "Did you find out where Wei Wuyou is?"

Feng Lan's expression was a picture, but he nodded. "Found him."

"At a brothel."

Jiang Yanzhou, who was preparing to go out and meet him: "..."

Huh?