Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Wen Buchi closed his eyes and let out a soft "Mm," by way of reply. His voice was weak and feeble, carrying the softness of exhaustion.

"About Chu Qi..." Nan Wuxie continued, his fingers lightly curling a strand of Wen Buchi's black hair. "He'll keep an eye on Jiangnan for me from now on. As for the Qianchen Pavilion's affairs from here on out, Lord Wen, I'd ask you to turn a blind eye and let them be."

"...I know." Wen Buchi finally spoke, his voice still hoarse but already regaining some of its usual cool clarity. "Ji Zhou won't let this go easily. Though you didn't hurt his foundation, he won't be content to just drop it. Cutting off his financial resources like this will make him hate you more than striking at him directly."

"Let him hate me." Nan Wuxie scoffed, utterly unconcerned. "I already have plenty of people who hate me. One more won't make a difference, one less won't matter."

He paused, letting his fingers slide to Wen Buchi's jaw, tilting it up gently. "But as for you, Lord Wen, once you return to the capital, the Ji family's open and covert attacks will likely target you first as the one credited with the achievement."

Wen Buchi met his gaze, a trace of watery light still lingering in his eyes but already re-forming into a seductive, proud defiance. "Am I afraid? No, I'm not. If I die, I'll drag you down with me."

Nan Wuxie studied him for a moment, then suddenly lowered his head and bit him with a moderate pressure on Wen Buchi's lips, leaving a faint, stinging sensation.

"Don't be so seductive," he remarked. "Alright then, let's die together."

Wen Buchi was slightly taken aback, then turned his face away. "...That's not really necessary."

Nan Wuxie didn't press the matter. He only let out a low chuckle, his chest rumbling, the vibration passing to Wen Buchi's skin where they were pressed together, sending a faint, tingling itch.

For a moment, neither spoke, and only the sound of their steady breaths intertwined.

They stayed in each other's arms for a long while, and as the sky began to lighten, the distant water clock drifted in from outside. Nan Wuxie was the first to rise. His body was bathed in a honeyed glow from the candlelight as he casually grabbed a robe and threw it on, his movements relaxed and fluid.

Wen Buchi still lay amid the rumpled bedding, watching his broad back and nimble movements with a complex expression.

"I'll head back to the capital first, before noon," Nan Wuxie said without turning around, his tone nonchalant. "You still need to wrap things up here in Jiangnan. I'll go back and wait for you."

Wen Buchi pressed his lips together and answered, "Alright."

Nan Wuxie walked to the door, paused slightly, and half-turned his face. The candlelight cast a sharp shadow over his straight nose. "Wen Buchi."

"Hmm?"

"Next time, relax a bit. Don't squeeze so tight."

The words had barely left his mouth when he pushed open the door and vanished into the darkness of the corridor, leaving behind only the lingering remnants of the intimate scene and a remark outrageous enough to make Wen Buchi's face flush with fury.

Wen Buchi shot upright, grabbed the nearest soft pillow, and hurled it with force at the already-closed door. His cheeks were flushed with anger, and all signs of exhaustion vanished instantly.

"Nan Wuxie! You bastard!"

***

The spring breeze swept ginkgo leaves from outside the Imperial Academy onto the vermilion gate of the Su residence, adding a hint of desolation.

Nan Wuxie stood before the Su residence gate, carrying two boxes of Jiangnan tea snacks that Wei Qinghe had shoved into his hands just before he left the mansion.

The elderly gatekeeper, clearly recognized him, though they hadn't met in years, respectfully ushered him into the parlor. "Please wait a moment, Marquis. I'll go inform the Old Master," he said, bowing as he withdrew.

The Su family was a scholarly family in the capital, and the reception hall was tastefully decorated with antique books on the shelves, landscape ink paintings on the walls, and every piece of furniture exuded the refined air of a century-old literary family.

On the main table sat a celadon vase holding two spring branches picked from the back courtyard, their petals still bearing morning dew. The air was filled with a faint aroma of ink and tea, carrying an aura of tranquil detachment from worldly affairs.

After a moment, footsteps approached slowly, and Grand Elder Su, supported by a servant, entered the hall.

The old man leaned on an elm walking stick, clad in a brown everyday robe. White hair was combed immaculately, his face was gaunt, and when his gaze fell on Nan Wuxie, it was clear and penetrating, carrying the wisdom and calm of many accumulated years.

"Marquis Nan," Grand Elder Su said with a slight nod, his voice even and gentle. "It's an honor to have you visit my humble home. Please, take a seat."

"Elder Su." Nan Wuxie bowed respectfully as a younger man, showing unusual deference. "I remembered how fresh and mellow this Biluochun tea is, so I brought some back for you. There are also pine nut cakes. Do try them."

He handed over the boxes, which the young servant quickly took and set on the table.

Grand Elder Su gestured for him to sit, ordered tea to be served, and took a sip from his own cup, his gaze returning to Nan Wuxie. "How is the spring scenery in Jiangnan this year?"

"It's indeed livelier than the capital," Nan Wuxie replied, holding his tea cup and following the old man's lead. "The common folk in Jiangnan live well. Mornings bring the shouts of morning markets, and nights glow with lanterns along the rivers. Even the stalls selling sweet congee on the streets have a bit more of a lively air than those in the capital."

He made no mention of the Luan family matter or any official struggles, only sharing trivial street stories about Jiangnan's daily life.

Grand Elder Su listened attentively, occasionally nodding in agreement, and recounted an old story of his own travels to Jiangnan as a young scholar: "I stayed in Hangzhou for half a year back then. I loved going to the teahouse by West Lake, ordering a pot of Longjing, listening to the literati at the next table chat about poetry and painting. Life was a lot more leisurely than it is now."

Nan Wuxie smiled, then raised his cup again and blew on the tea foam. The tea was top-quality Guzhu Zisun, its liquor clear and bright, its fragrance delicate. He took a small sip and didn't rush to speak.

Grand Elder Su also slowly used the teacup lid to skim off the tea foam. For a time, the only sounds in the hall were the faint clink of tea cups and the occasional chirping of birds outside.

After a few more rounds of chitchat, touching on Jiangnan's scenery and a few insignificant matters of court politics, the conversation kept skirting the edges of serious matters.

Finally, Nan Wuxie set down his cup and asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Is Su Zhanyu at home? If convenient, I'd like to pay him a visit while I'm here."

The hand holding Grand Elder Su's teacup paused slightly. He looked up, his gaze still warm. "Thank you for your concern, Marquis. Shuying... he has been feeling somewhat unwell recently and is recuperating quietly. He is not fit to receive guests. I thank you on his behalf for your concern."

The words were polite but evasive, the meaning clear—no meeting.

Nan Wuxie's movement of holding the cup didn't stop. In truth, he hadn't really expected to see Su Zhanyu immediately when he came today. The great fire, Su Chancheng's death, Qi Yanqing's matter—they were like layers of heavy shackles, locking the once bright, clear-minded youth who cared for the world within.

His visit today was more like a silent inquiry, a stubborn confirmation. Receiving the expected answer, he was neither surprised nor disappointed.

Nan Wuxie didn't press further. He simply nodded in accordance with Grand Elder Su's words. "In that case, let Master Su rest well. If you need anything, Elder Su, please don't hesitate to ask."

"You are very thoughtful, Marquis." Grand Elder Su nodded, his tone still polite and proper.

They continued chatting, mostly about poetry and classical texts. Nan Wuxie held nothing back, but never brought up the chaos in Jiangnan or the Ji family again. Grand Elder Su observed this and became increasingly clear in his mind—this Marquis Nan had truly grown up, become a man of great discretion. He would never ask about what he shouldn't, nor say more than he should.

After a little more small talk, Nan Wuxie rose to take his leave. "Elder Su, please rest well. I won't disturb you any further today."

"Very well, very well." Grand Elder Su did not insist on him staying, rising to see him out. "Take care, Marquis."

Nan Wuxie clasped his hands in salute and followed the young servant out of the reception hall.

As he stepped past the threshold of the Su residence, the afternoon sunlight was a little dazzling. Standing on the stone steps, Nan Wuxie squinted slightly, feeling no great turmoil in his heart, only that the wind in the capital was rather dry, leaving a thin, dusty film on his heart.

He was about to descend the steps when his gaze happened to sweep across the street corner and suddenly stopped. Not far away, a carriage that looked ordinary but had an air of distinction stood still.

Just then, the carriage curtain was slowly lifted from within by a hand, revealing Xue Shechuan's face.

He looked relaxed, and the corners of his mouth held a faint smile. When he saw Nan Wuxie looking over, he nodded slightly but said nothing.

Nan Wuxie stopped on the stone steps before the Su residence gate, looking back at him, then nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Their eyes met across the distance. Xue Shechuan's smile wasn't a simple greeting; it seemed to contain many unspoken words.

The spring wind rose again, carrying a few petals. A barely perceptible sharp glint flickered in Nan Wuxie's eyes, and then his usual lazy smile spread across his face.

No words were needed; an unspoken agreement was already in place.

Xue Shechuan's smile deepened a little, and he let the carriage curtain fall. The blue-curtained carriage did not leave immediately but simply waited quietly. Nan Wuxie stopped hesitating. He stepped down from the stone steps and walked unhurriedly toward the carriage.

The carriage passed through several noisy streets, finally turning into a secluded alley and stopping in front of an inconspicuous teahouse. The plaque above the door read simply "Jing Lu" (Quiet Hut).

Xue Shechuan got out of the carriage first and gestured for Nan Wuxie to go first.

The two entered one after another. Inside, the tea house was surprisingly unique, with antique and elegant furnishings. The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood and tea, and no other guests were present.

Xue Shechuan led Nan Wuxie directly to the most private refined chamber on the second floor. The window was half open, facing a few bamboo stalks in the back courtyard. A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, adding to the tranquility.

"Marquis Nan, please." Xue Shechuan knelt at the host's position at the tea table with a composed demeanor. Nan Wuxie took the seat opposite him, his eyes sweeping over the red clay stove, purple clay teapot, and a set of elegant white porcelain tea utensils on the table.

Xue Shechuan did not speak immediately. Instead, he lowered his eyes and began to brew tea.

His movements were slow and focused: warming the cups, adding tea leaves, infusing, skimming the froth... The entire set of actions was smooth and fluid, carrying a meditative rhythm.

The soft bubbling of the water was clearly audible in the silent room. White mist rose, and the aroma of tea gradually intensified.

Nan Wuxie did not rush him; he simply watched the movements quietly.

After a moment, Xue Shechuan said softly without looking up, "Congratulations, Marquis."

As he spoke, he slid the lid of the teacup gently, causing a circle of tea to ripple out.

Nan Wuxie leaned back slightly, a hint of a smile on his lips. "And the same to you."

When the tea was poured into the cup, clear in color and fragrant in aroma, Xue Shechuan gently pushed a cup toward Nan Wuxie and spoke calmly and formally: "The matter in Jiangnan is settled. Your Lordship has entrusted part of the trade routes to the Xue family. Ting Jue thanks you for your trust and regard."

His tone was even, but the word "part" was used with deliberate subtlety.

Nan Wuxie picked up the teacup, sniffed it lightly, then took a small sip and praised, "Good tea."

Setting down the cup, he looked up at Xue Shechuan, still wearing the same lazy smile. "There's no need for such courtesy, Shopkeeper Xue. The Jiangnan trade routes concern water transport, people's livelihood, and even national treasury revenue. It's no trivial matter. The Ji family controlled them for years, leading to numerous abuses—a chronic problem. Now that the old sore is gone, someone needs to stabilize the situation. The Xue family is well-versed in trade routes and acts methodically. To have your esteemed house share part of the burden is, both publicly and privately, the most suitable choice at present."

He paused and added, "Moreover, I already agreed with Second Master Xue earlier. How could I go back on my word?"

His words were equally watertight. While acknowledging that the Xue family's gain was indeed a personal favor, they also hinted that this "part" of the trade routes carried great weight, and if the Xue family made a misstep, that trust could be withdrawn.

A look of understanding crossed Xue Shechuan's eyes; he did not say more words of thanks. Clever people don't need to beat around the bush over trivial details. With interests at stake, the foundation of the alliance was already laid. Too many flowery words would only cheapen the exchange.

"Since you, Marquis Nan, are willing to let the Xue family handle half this trade route, surely you have follow-up plans. Why not speak frankly?"

Nan Wuxie picked up the teacup but did not drink. His gaze fell on the window, and his tone grew weighty: "Although the Ji family's foundation in Jiangnan has been severed, their influence in the capital remains. Minister of Personnel Ji Ye holds the power of official appointments and has planted many of his confidants in local posts over the years..."

He trailed off, turning to look at the man across from him.

Xue Shechuan nodded, lightly stroking the rim of his cup. "Jiangnan has only just been pacified, but much remains to be rebuilt. There are many subsequent matters—such as liaising with new officials, coordinating with various merchant guilds, and even preventing counterattacks from remaining forces—all need careful deliberation. Although the Xue family has some experience, one person alone cannot accomplish everything. We still need your guidance, Marquis."

This clearly expressed the willingness to continue cooperating and placed the Xue family in a supporting role, adopting a humble yet measured posture.

Nan Wuxie smiled slightly. "Shopkeeper Xue is too modest. In the future, if we encounter those who are blind-eyed and wish to stir up trouble, the laws and regulations will not tolerate them." He paused briefly, "When you and I join hands, we seek the word 'stability.' If Jiangnan is stable, water transport is stable; if water transport is stable, the world's granaries are secure. That is the big picture."

"Your foresight is admirable, Marquis. I am impressed." Xue Shechuan took the pot and refilled Nan Wuxie's tea, still unhurried in his movements. "What the Xue family seeks is merely to contribute a modest effort within this big picture and secure a stable foothold."

His words were half true, half false. Naturally, the Xue family longed to use this opportunity to consolidate and even elevate their status among the aristocratic clans, obtaining more substantial benefits. But at this moment, facing Nan Wuxie, he chose to lower his posture further, focusing more on expressing the intention of "cooperation" and "stability." This was because he clearly saw that Nan Wuxie's recent trip to Jiangnan had been swift and decisive—toppling the Luan family, purging the officialdom, and restructuring the trade routes. These actions were far from being just for the people's peace or self-protection. This man was ambitious, with far-reaching schemes.

However, what the ultimate goal was, Xue Shechuan admitted he could not fully discern. To dominate the court? To take the throne? Perhaps both, or perhaps something even deeper.

But Xue Shechuan deeply understood one principle: No matter who ends up on the dragon throne, the realm always needs people to govern it and cannot do without the support of the aristocratic clans. The clans and imperial power have always been symbiotic, differing only in the distribution of power. Nan Wuxie clearly understood this, so he chose to win the Xue family over with concrete benefits, not empty promises. For the Xue family, this was an opportunity hard to refuse. Risks certainly existed, but the rewards could be beyond imagination.

Betting on Nan Wuxie was a gamble, but Xue Shechuan thought it worth taking.

Nan Wuxie naturally caught Xue Shechuan's implication. He rubbed the warm cup wall and said slowly, "A stable foothold? I, the Marquis, think your esteemed house seeks more than that."

He gave a light laugh, as if joking or offering a hint. "But stability is indeed the foundation."

As the conversation reached its peak, footsteps came from outside the elegant room, and a shop attendant entered with two plates of pastries.

Xue Shechuan waited until the attendant left before speaking again. He stared into Nan Wuxie's eyes, trying to confirm something from those calm irises. "Behind the Ji family is half of the civil officialdom. If you dare to move against them, what you seek is not just 'stability,' is it, Marquis?"

Nan Wuxie picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and instead of directly answering, he countered, "Shopkeeper Xue, how much longer do you think Great Jing's current official system can hold up?"

The question was blunt, but not false. When the standard for officials in a country becomes only seeking "loyalty" over "integrity, authority, worth, and ability," then the nation's fortune is at its end.

This might have sounded like a probe, but it wasn't. Nan Wuxie was simply answering the request for advice.