Chapter 64

Chapter 64: The Sixty-Fourth Episode

Lian Cheng, in Lian Xiusheng's arms, asked him which martial arts school his skills belonged to. Lian Xiusheng countered by asking where all the food his third brother had eaten during the day had gone, saying he was as light as a piece of fluff. With that, he set Lian Cheng down on the bed and climbed into bed beside him.

"What do you usually eat? Have Jin Cai copy down your recipe for me, and I'll follow it," Lian Cheng said, lying on his side on the porcelain pillow, looking at Lian Xiusheng, who was in the same position.

"It's just natural talent—no use forcing it, third brother," Lian Xiusheng replied.

Lian Cheng shrugged dismissively. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. How do you know I can't do it?"

Lian Xiusheng didn't answer, instead asking if his third brother's relationship with Chiliarch Lou had improved a bit compared to before.

"It's better than before, but not very close. Nothing like the bond we share as brothers," Lian Cheng answered, thinking it was his turn to ask a question. "Why bother visiting Grand Secretary Ye out of the blue? I heard it was just a cold—couldn't you go tomorrow?"

"A batch of imperial wood is stuck in Shanfu. Lord Wang, Shanfu’s Surveillance Commissioner and Military Defense Intendant, blamed it on local bandits. But when I sent a letter to the Commander of Shanfu for verification, he said there’s been no bandit activity lately," Lian Xiusheng said, running his fingers through his brother’s temple hair. He continued, "Lord Wang and my teacher were classmates in their youth, and they've kept in touch over the years. If I want to investigate him, I need my teacher's consent first."

"Did you talk to him about it?" Lian Cheng pressed. "What was his attitude?"

"I didn't bring it up, but I expect Lord Wang's letter will reach my teacher tomorrow. In it, he'll lay out his case clearly."

"If Grand Secretary Ye won't let you investigate, what will you do?"

"Then I won't investigate."

Lian Cheng was taken aback. "The Xie Lu Hall won't be built?"

Mockery flickered in Lian Xiusheng's eyes. "For the current emperor, it's good if the Xie Lu Hall is completed. But if it's not built, that's also a good thing."

"What do you mean?"

Lian Xiusheng leaned closer to his third brother and said, "The current emperor was never thought highly of as a child. Fortunately, Crown Prince Jiao was kind-hearted and allowed him to enter the Eastern Palace to study and live together. My grandfather once said that Li Xi was diligent and hardworking but vicious and narrow-minded, while Li Jiao was dilly-dallying and playful but kind-hearted and sincere. Do you know, third brother, that all the benevolent policies the current emperor has implemented over the years come from Crown Prince Jiao's posthumous writings—abolishing redundant officials, building water conservancy, reducing punishments and taxes, and so on? The world praises the current emperor as a wise ruler like Yao and Shun, but they don't know who they're really praising."

"If the current emperor were truly magnanimous, that would be one thing. He clings to his elder brother's records, afraid of losing his throne, but he resents this because he knows that praise isn’t rightfully his. On the surface, the current emperor is building the Xie Lu Hall, but in reality, he's tearing down the glorious legacy that Crown Prince Jiao left behind."

"He's turned love into hate—he's jealous!" Lian Cheng suddenly understood. "I thought the same before, but I didn't expect it to be true."

Lian Xiusheng gave a light scoff. "The love of a petty man is unworthy of any grand occasion."

Lian Cheng choked, not daring to say: You said before that you adore me, your brother. Can you do pirouettes on a grand occasion then?

"We've digressed. You said if Grand Secretary Ye insists on protecting Lord Wang, you won't investigate. But the imperial wood has gone missing—there has to be an explanation."

Lian Xiusheng said, "There are only two possibilities. One is that Lord Wang will find a scapegoat. If he wants to clear himself of suspicion, he'll rush to investigate. The second is that the current emperor will punish me—maybe demote or suspend me."

"Well... that's fine too." That way, the Commissioner wouldn't have to be obscured by dust for now.

But soon, Lian Cheng pressed on uneasily, "Are you sure? What if you end up in jail?"

Lian Cheng hesitated. Wouldn't that be a permanent solution?

But how could he bear it? Besides Zhang Ailian, Lian Xiusheng was the person he cared about most.

Whatever, forget it. If Lian Xiusheng ended up in the Imperial Prison, he'd find a way to get him out and then continue with his original plan.

I should’ve just killed him from the start, Lian Cheng thought.

But this was a story—there were many illogical possibilities. What if killing Lian Xiusheng turned him into a vengeful spirit that haunted him? That would be a whole new nightmare.

Lian Xiusheng watched his third brother frown and sigh, unable to guess what he was thinking. Just as he was about to ask, Lian Cheng spoke first. "But I don't think you'd pick a losing battle. You went to Grand Secretary Ye's house to inquire about his illness—you must have achieved something."

Lian Xiusheng was amused by his third brother's certainty and couldn't help but laugh.

"My teacher and Lord Wang were classmates in their youth, but over the years, Lord Wang has caused my teacher no small amount of trouble. A few years back, the two families became in-laws—my teacher married his beloved daughter into the Wang family. But within three years, that young lady hanged herself from the beams. That incident severed relations for several years. It was only later, when my teacher's granddaughter fell gravely ill, and Lord Wang specially brought a royal doctor from the capital to cure her, that the two families began to interact again."

Lian Cheng listened attentively. "Grand Secretary Ye married his beloved daughter to old Lord Wang? Where's the love in that?"

"She married Lord Wang's eldest son."

"Oh."

"But you just went to inquire about his illness. Can Grand Secretary Ye just ignore his old classmate's friendship?"

"It was raining, and the carriage was hard to move, so I walked. I brought tea leaves that my teacher loves, wrapped in my clothes. Not a single leaf got wet."

Lian Xiusheng smiled and said, "Lord Wang is old, and he always brings my teacher trouble. I am young and obedient to my teacher. You and I both know I went to sound out my teacher's intentions. Don't you think my teacher knows?"

"What matters isn’t the tea leaves, it’s the thought I put into keeping my teacher informed."

Lian Cheng gasped. "How can you be so incredibly devious?" Calculating what others could calculate about him—was this guy cheating?

Lian Xiusheng changed the subject and asked, "Third brother, if one day I end up in the Imperial Prison, what would you do?"

"I'd save you," Lian Cheng said without thinking. "But I think I might end up sending myself in there too."

Lian Xiusheng said, "Heaven has permitted it—why should it keep us from being like mandarin ducks in old age?"

Lian Cheng corrected him, "You should note that 'mandarin ducks' here means brothers."

Lian Xiusheng ignored his third brother and pressed his fingertip against the mole beneath Lian Cheng's eye. "Was this mole red when you were born?"

"Mm-hmm." Lian Cheng unconsciously touched it too, then pressed the one beside his nose. "This one is red too."

"The moles on the body are usually black," Lian Xiusheng said.

By now, Lian Cheng was drowsy. He just grunted vaguely, and Lian Xiusheng kept tracing his fingers over his face. The two moles began to burn under his fingers, seeming even redder than before. He stroked Lian Cheng's eyes—his eyes closed in deep sleep, brows slightly knit. He brushed his nose—he slept peacefully, breath soft. He touched his mouth—his lips parted slightly, giving off a scent of orchids and musk.

Lian Xiusheng took his brother’s fingers—fine as spring bamboo, smooth and well-proportioned, with faint pink tips. He looked down for a while, his heart racing, then dipped his head and took two fingertips into his mouth, silently savoring the orchid scent.

-

The next morning, an endless stream of carriages and horses filled the streets, and voices grew noisy.

Lou Lan stood at the entrance of the Song family's main gate and read the imperial decree. The current emperor, knowing that Censor Song had been so loyal and righteous, was deeply grieved and regretful—his spirit weak, his mood heavy, wrapped in bitter sorrow. To comfort the departed soul, the emperor would personally compose a eulogy and specially grant Censor Song a second-rank official mourning altar, with the Minister of Rites presiding over the ceremony and the Ministry of Works overseeing the construction of the tomb and preparation of offerings. Simultaneously, he posthumously promoted Censor Song to Grand Guardian of the Crown Prince, with the posthumous title Duanzhen, and his deceased wife, née Liu, was named Lady Duanzhen. For his living children, his son could enter the Imperial Academy directly without special selection, and his daughter was elevated to Zhuangjian Commandery Lady. All children would share a grain stipend of six hundred dan...

Song Fangyu, dressed in mourning clothes, stepped forward to receive the decree and thank the emperor. Tearfully, she looked at the surrounding crowd—everyone praised the current emperor as wise and brilliant, with far-reaching insight.

Lou Lan turned to find Lian Cheng, who was talking to Ji Xing and Qiao Yuer. He walked over and said, "The Song family is left with just a daughter and a young son—neither can handle the arrangements. The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Rites will take some time. Can we find someone to first prepare the bodies of Lord Song and his wife?"

He added, "Luo Da is generally decent, but you had a conflict with his eldest son, Luo Ke, at the polo match a month ago. When you see him, watch your back."

Moreover, "Zhang Zhifan is officiating, but he won’t put his heart into it."

Finally, "There will likely be many ladies coming to offer condolences. Can Miss Song handle receiving them all?"

Lian Cheng was taken aback. "You're leaving it to me?"

Lou Lan paused for a moment. "I should have told the Commissioner last night, but it's not too late to say now. The current emperor believes it was your incompetence that drove Censor Song to suicide. He asked me to tell you to oversee the Song family's funeral affairs. On paper, the Ministry of Rites is in charge, but if you screw this up and ruin the emperor’s reputation, you’ll answer for it."

Lian Cheng: "..." He stood there for a moment, then turned and walked away, looking as though he’d made up his mind again.

Lou Lan called after him, "Where are you going?"

Lian Cheng didn't look back. "I'm going to go find my mom!"

By the time Lian Cheng got to Lan Yuan, Zhang Ailian had just learned of the Song family's trouble. After wiping her face with a handkerchief and washing her hands, while Qing Zhu braided her hair and pinned up a bun behind her, she said, "If Lord Song had known Fangyu was as fiery and resolute as he was, I wonder if he'd still have pulled this desperate move to save his own skin?"

Qiu Fang, picking out hairpins from a drawer nearby, said, "Madam, do you think Lord Song acted to protect his children?"

"Lord Song had a noble character. I'm just a woman with my own opinions."

Qiu Fang said, "When Yuan Shun came back to report earlier, he also mentioned that people outside are saying the current emperor is cold and ungrateful, unable to tolerate loyal counsel, and drove a good minister to his death."

Zhang Ailian's expression shifted slightly. "Hasn't the emperor issued a decree and bestowed great favor upon the Song family? How can such rumors arise?"

"That was before the decree was issued. Who knows what's being said now? No matter how generous the favor, Lord Song has already breathed his last. Can they really shut everyone up?" Qiu Fang finished slowly, taking out a gold cicada hairpin.

Zhang Ailian sensed something amiss. "The Song family's trouble happened in the dead of night. Even if gossip had wings, it couldn't spread that fast."

Qing Zhu speculated, "Madam, do you mean someone deliberately spread the news about the Song family to tarnish the emperor's reputation?"

"Not quite," Zhang Ailian shook her head. "Maybe it's to stop the emperor from going after the Song kids?"

Qiu Fang, as she adorned Zhang Ailian's hair with various pearl hairpins and floral ornaments, said softly, "If he truly wanted to punish them, why would he fear gossip? It's more likely someone is guilty and afraid, jumping at shadows even when there's no ghost at the door."

Qing Zhu gently nudged Qiu Fang.

Just then, Yuan Shun announced loudly that the Third Brother had arrived, running in!

"Mother, without you today, your son would be a dead man!" Lian Cheng shouted as he entered. Qiu Fang went over to scold him for casually mentioning death, calling it unlucky, and asked what was the matter and why he wasn't at the yamen. Qing Zhu also came over to say the Song family was now a place of trouble, and since it was no longer his concern, he should shake it off quick.

Lian Cheng, sweating profusely, grabbed a cup of tea and downed it, catching his breath before relaying Lou Lan's message. Zhang Ailian pondered for a moment, then turned to remove her bun and floral ornaments, instructing Qing Zhu to fetch plain mourning clothes. "Our families have always had dealings. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have gone to offer condolences tomorrow. But now that you've said this, I realize I've been slacking. Fangyu is still young and inexperienced. I should go and help her manage this situation, to honor the bond I shared with her mother."

Lian Cheng kowtowed to Zhang Ailian. "Mother, you are wise and righteous. Your son will devote himself to learning."

Zhang Ailian couldn't help but smile, then turned serious. "Since you don't need to go to the yamen, go back to your courtyard, change out of that dog's hide you're wearing, and come with me to the Song family."

-

Lian Cheng also changed into plain mourning clothes. Tong Xue found him a Tang-style cap to put on, and Huqiu was similarly prepared. Once they were all ready, Lian Cheng asked if they should prepare some gifts for the condolence visit. Qiong Hua said to wait until everything at the Song residence was set up before deciding, no rush. Tong Xue then took out the twenty taels of silver from the previous night, saying that since the young master was going, she wouldn't, and he could pass the silver to the Song girl on the way.

Lian Cheng took the twenty taels of silver and left. The two courtyards were now mostly connected, and he recognized many of the maids and servants passing by. He grabbed Jin Chai, who was crossing the courtyard, and left a message: "I'll probably be out all day, no clue when I'll be back tonight. If your young master comes home from the office looking for me, tell him I'm at the Song family offering condolences. If he doesn't ask, don't mention me."

Jin Chai curtsied and said yes, saying that the Fourth Madam made some fancy pastries and would send them to Penglai Pavilion later, so the Third Brother could have some when he came home.

Lian Cheng thanked her and, worried that Zhang Ailian might be waiting long, took off like the wind with Huqiu.

Zhang Ailian was not alone; she had brought several other madams from the household. Except for the Third Madam and Fourth Madam, who did not come, the Second Madam, Fifth Madam, and Sixth Madam were all present. Lian Cheng greeted each of them in turn. The Fifth Madam was especially friendly to him, walking at the back and chatting with him.

"Your seventh sister's been reading and ran into some old sayings she doesn't get. When will the Third Brother have time to explain them to her?" Fan Shi said with a smile.

"Fifth Madam, you're too kind. I'm terrible at studying. If you want someone to explain the meanings, you'd be better off asking Old Master Guan or ask the sixth brother."

Fan Shi said, "Your seventh sister only wants to talk more with her third brother. If it weren't for her insistence, I wouldn't have come to you."

Lian Cheng thought for a moment and said, "I'm not some monster. If she wants to talk to me more, she can just come to Penglai Pavilion and find me. There's no need to make excuses about not understanding books. I can tell she's not the studying type anyway."

Fan Shi laughed out loud. "I knew you wouldn't believe her. I'll tell her what the Third Brother said when I get back."

Just as they finished speaking, the group walked into the Song house. The main gate was wide open, with all sorts of people coming and going, but nothing was arranged for a funeral. Lian Cheng caught Zhang Ailian's eye and found Song Fangyu, who came running over, breathless. She first curtsied to greet everyone. "We're short-staffed at home, so sorry for the poor hospitality. Please forgive us."

Zhang Ailian sent Wu Huajie and the others to burn incense to Lord Song and his wife. When they had all left, Zhang Ailian pulled Song Fangyu aside, noticing her red eyes, and softly asked if she had been up all night, you poor thing.

Song Fangyu, feeling the warmth of the older woman's hand, immediately burst into hot tears. Zhang Ailian comforted her for a while and urged her to rest, saying she could handle the affairs for now. Song Fangyu shook her head and said, "It would be wonderful if the Princess could help, but as the eldest daughter, how could I miss it? Princess, don't worry about me. Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it."

Zhang Ailian didn't press further. She asked if the relatives and friends and officials had been notified of the death, if a master had been called to pick the burial date and the time for the encoffining, if mourning clothes were ready, if the mourning shed and funeral feast had been set up, and if all necessary items were ready. She also asked if monks should be invited to chant sutras, and if so, send a fast servant to the temple right away. She also mentioned that different people should be assigned to receive the various guests coming to pay respects.

Song Fangyu, tears in her eyes, said, "Time was short last night. Mother only had people prepare the mourning clothes and specifically instructed that the funeral be kept simple, or better yet, not held at all. Looks like we can't follow her last wishes."

Lian Cheng, who had been sitting on the railing without speaking for a long time, finally spoke. "If you throw a big funeral, life'll be easier for you and your little brother down the road. Lady Song, knowing this in the underworld, will not blame you. Rest assured."

Zhang Ailian instructed Lian Cheng, "Lord Song was always upright and not great at dealing with all kinds of people. Go get that buddy of yours, Zheng Er, and have him bring a few companions to specifically attend to the mourners."

Lian Cheng nodded and sent Huqiu off right away.

Zhang Ailian added, "If you have nothing else to do, go to the office and call back Feng Geer and Ying Geer. Lord Song taught them for a bit when they were kids, so they should come and offer incense before his spirit."

After that, she called Yuan Shun and the Song family's servants and gave them all orders. Song Fangyu stood behind Zhang Ailian, jotting everything down. Ming Geer was still little, and from now on, the whole house would depend on her.

-

Lian Cheng rode fast to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and happened to meet Lian Feng walking out. Seeing his younger brother, he sped up and asked if he had come about the Song family's affairs. Lian Cheng was surprised. "Big Brother knows too?"

Lian Feng sighed deeply, bowed deeply toward the Song house, and without further ado, grabbed Lian Cheng's sleeve and pulled him outside. "I've already taken a few days off from the Court. Third Brother, let's take my sedan chair to the Song residence."

Lian Cheng instead pulled Lian Feng along, walking faster. "Why take a sedan chair? Isn't riding a horse faster?"

"No, no, I can't handle the bouncing. I..."

Lian Cheng mounted his horse first. Despite Lian Feng's protests, he was pulled up. Before Lian Cheng could warn him, Lian Feng had already clung tightly to his third brother. As Lian Cheng loosened the reins, Dilu shot off like a meteor. Lian Feng screamed in terror the whole ride, and by the time they dismounted, his clothes were drenched in sweat.

After seeing Lian Feng into the Song residence, Lian Cheng led Dilu back to the stable and then went to Huaiyin Study to find his second brother. His second sister-in-law, Fu, hurriedly dressed and came out. When Lian Ying saw his wife following, he said he wanted to bring Rui Ge to offer incense to their teacher. Fu spat at him, "What are you bringing a child for? If he can't handle the incense smoke and gets possessed, even calling on heaven and earth won't help."

Lian Cheng walked ahead, pretending not to notice his second brother being tugged by his clothes and pinched by his ear by his second sister-in-law. He decided he would never find a wife so fierce and controlling.

After that, Lian Cheng didn't leave the Song residence. He and several Embroidered Uniform Guards guarded the gates. He sat in a good spot, where all guests had to pass before him, and greetings were exchanged not far away. When Zhang Zhifan from the Ministry of Rites arrived with funeral items, the mourning shed had already been set up. He kept exclaiming, "Oh, how remiss of me!" Lian Feng was receiving the male guests. After exchanging a few words with him, Zhang Zhifan sent people to check and fill any gaps in the funeral arrangements.

Zhang Xian came with him. Zhang Xian first went to the spirit altar to offer incense to Lord Song and his wife before coming over to find Lian Cheng. "I really didn't expect Lord Song to die like this. I heard you were in charge of this matter. Why didn't you call me?"

"You leave the yamen faster than anyone every day. How could I call you?" Lian Cheng said.

"It's just as well you didn't. My father said this matter is either a blessing or a curse. As it stands, it's a curse for Minzi." Zhang Xian draped his arm over Lian Cheng's shoulder and whispered, "This kind of job is better left to Commander Meng. He'd lock everyone up and kill them, and the rumors wouldn't even have time to spread. I told you last time we were too soft-hearted. I think you still haven't learned your lesson, Minzi."

"Easy for you to say. Next time, I'll definitely call you." Lian Cheng leaned against a pillar and punched Zhang Xian.

Zhang Xian feigned pain and shouted, attracting a servant of Zhang Zhifan who scolded him for making a scene on such a day. Zhang Xian outwardly complied, but after the servant left, looking at the courtyard full of guests and the grand funeral, he said, "If the emperor hadn't issued that decree this morning, would they have come?"

Lian Cheng sighed softly. "The emperor's favor flows eastward like water; those favored fear losing it, those out of favor grieve. Don't play 'Falling Flowers' before the cup; the cool wind only waits at the west end of the hall."

Zhang Xian suddenly said, "Minzi, if you were emperor one day, would you turn ruthless?"

"..." Lian Cheng had never met such a bold ancient person. He covered Zhang Xian's mouth, telling him not to speak nonsense, and then said, "If you always stay on my side, I naturally won't turn against you."

Later, the two found a secluded corner, drank heavily from a jug, and indulged in wild, lawless fantasies. They were eventually caught by Lian Feng and made to receive guests—some of Lord Song's students, colleagues, and their sons. Lian Cheng drank a round with them, but unable to hold his liquor, he switched to water and managed to get through four or five tables. By evening, many of those who had come to weep and offer incense had gone home, leaving only a few relatives and friends. Lian Cheng, Zhang Xian, Li Wan, and Lu Zhen spread a board in a corner of the mourning shed, exhausted, leaning on each other.

The rituals continued without end. This was only the first day, and many items still needed to be prepared. Knowing the Song family was not wealthy, regardless...

Then she said sternly, "Minister, you are full of excuses, intending to push all this work onto my son. If you dare to be even a moment late tomorrow, I will go to the palace and tell the Empress Dowager. Let's see if she still wants to betroth her niece to a reckless scoundrel like you!"

Under the shed, the four of them craned their necks to watch the spectacle. Lian Cheng, leaning on Lu Zhen's back, turned his head and said, "Hey Siqi, your dad's getting chewed out."

Li Wan said, "The Commandery Princess has quite a temper."

Lu Zhen said, "She said she would impeach your father and prevent the Empress Dowager from betrothing her niece to you."

Zhang Xian, lying on Lian Cheng's back, was overjoyed. "Great news! Did she say when she's gonna impeach him?"

Zhang Zhifan, getting chewed out by a woman pointing at his nose, felt humiliated. He came over, kicked Zhang Xian, and dragged him out of the Song residence with him.

Li Wan shook his head and sighed, "Siqi's really got it tough. Ruozhu, why don't your parents hurry up with your marriage?"

Lu Zhen said, "Eunuch Cui says there's no rush, so they dare not go against him."

Li Wan cursed, "That old eunuch dog," then Song Fangyu came to thank them. They quickly got up from the boards to return the gesture, saying they would come again tomorrow. Li Wan and Lu Zhen didn't stay any longer. Only Lian Cheng remained by the mourning shed. He hadn't slept well the previous night, and now alone, exhaustion overwhelmed him. Lying on the hard wooden board, he fell asleep. When he woke again, he saw Lian Xiusheng's face not far away, bobbing up and down, now bright, now dim, indistinct. Lian Cheng closed his eyes again.

Lian Xiusheng wore a plain white silk gauze robe, very simple and clean. He, together with Censor Song and his wife, offered incense and burned paper money, glanced at his third brother lying by the shed, then turned to go see Zhang Ailian first. Zhang Ailian saw that he had changed into mourning clothes before coming and nodded in approval. "You are a person of propriety. In this family, you are the one I worry about least."

"Have you had your evening meal?" Zhang Ailian asked again.

"Not yet. Have you eaten, Mother?"

"I have already eaten. If you haven't, I'll have someone prepare a meal for you. Minzi hasn't eaten either. You can eat together and then go home together afterward."

"Third Brother has been at the Song residence all day. Why hasn't he had his evening meal?"

Zhang Ailian said with a mix of disgust and fondness, "Before noon, Zhang Xian from Minister Zhang's household came. Those two drank in the garden at the end of the covered corridor. If your eldest brother hadn't gone looking for them, who knows how drunk they would have gotten. Later, we asked them to entertain two tables of distinguished guests. Then the young heir of Prince Hui and the young master of the Commander of the Military Bureau came. They formed groups of four and two, making jokes and having fun. It was lively, but they had no time to eat. Just now, those three monkeys left, and the last monkey is sleeping in a corner. Sixth Brother, go wake him up. Don't let him sleep on that empty board."

Lian Xiusheng received the instructions and then went to see his third brother. He pushed his shoulder but there was no sign of waking. So he crouched down and helped him sit up. Lian Cheng had to wake, but when he did, his body