Chapter 30: Governing the World (III)

Chapter 30: Governing the World (III)

Wenren Yue speculated that Brother Gu would probably seek help from the two Imperial Commissioners.

Brother Gu was exceptionally talented and of fine quality, and they clearly held him in high regard.

If he made a request, the two would surely oblige.

Next, Le Wuya indeed sent out several letters.

Two were sent to the capital, one to Jinyuan County, and one to Tonglu County.

Qi Wuhu, the magistrate of Jinyuan County, did not reply by letter but instead rode his old horse straight to Nanting, his face cold and stern.

He accompanied Le Wuya on an inspection of the barren, leaf-strewn hills outside Nanting City. After walking for a good while, he asked, "This hill—nobody's in charge of it?"

It was a sunny day, the sunlight dazzling. Le Wuya, worried the old man couldn't handle the heat, held up an umbrella for him. "This hill was originally government property. The previous magistrate planted walnuts here, but the first two years had poor sales, the nuts were small with thick skins, so it was abandoned."

Qi Wuhu knocked away the hand holding the umbrella. "Don't block the light."

Le Wuya: ...Hey.

Qi Wuhu looked up at the sun, then bent down to pick up a fallen walnut. He also pinched a bit of soil with his fingertips and rubbed it between his fingers, cursing, "Not even a bit of patience?"

Le Wuya craned his neck. "Was it planted poorly?"

Qi Wuhu crushed some soil with his fingertip and showed it to Le Wuya. "This mountain soil is sandy, which is actually suitable for walnuts, but it was completely neglected. Walnuts aren't grass seeds—you can't just scatter them and expect them to grow!"

He weighed the walnut again, furious. "The seed selection was wrong from the start! Could this tree ever produce thin-skinned walnuts?"

Le Wuya thought to himself, It wasn't me who planted them; why take it out on me?

He asked, "In your opinion, what should be done?"

"What should be done?" Qi Wuhu bristled, as if venting his anger at the previous magistrate on the current one. "If you ask me, drag that former magistrate back here and plant him on this mountain—at least he'd fertilize the soil!"

Qi Wuhu's distress was genuine.

Poor seed selection meant the root was rotten from the start.

If they pulled everything up and planted new walnut trees, it would still be a waste of labor and resources, with no guarantee of results.

"It would be a shame to pull them up," Le Wuya said, seeming to read Qi Wuhu's mind. He ventured, "I'm thinking of planting some tea trees here."

Qi Wuhu was startled, and his gaze toward Le Wuya shifted slightly. "You know about land reclamation?"

Le Wuya clasped his hands behind his back, a bit proud. "A little."

Qi Wuhu forgot his anger and stamped the ground.

After years of neglect, the walnut leaves had fallen and formed a thick layer of humus.

Qi Wuhu's eyes lit up.

Le Wuya: "Will it work?"

Qi Wuhu: "It will. Plant tea on the hill, interplant among the walnut trees—they'll nurture each other in a cycle. Plus, with the walnut trees providing shade, the tea will thrive in semi-shade. It's a good method!"

But he soon fell into thought. "Tea is good, but Yizhou doesn't have premium tea varieties. Introducing them from elsewhere might cause them to struggle with the local conditions."

In his previous life, Le Wuya had seen many officials submit reports claiming accomplishments, and land reclamation was a common topic.

Le Wuya spoke readily: "There's a big-leaf tea brought via the Tea Horse Road, originally from Yunnan, which has a climate similar to Yizhou. If we start introducing the tea plants now, we can plant them by autumn this year."

Qi Wuhu walked around with him and confirmed that Le Wuya's method would indeed work.

But he still had a question: "What about the walnut trees?"

Le Wuya took the rotten walnut from his hand, and out of habit, spun it in his palm a few times.

But as he handled it, he got an idea.

He bent down again, picked up another fallen walnut, grabbed Qi Wuhu, and pressed it into his hand.

Qi Wuhu was baffled. "What are you doing?"

Le Wuya: "Spin it."

Qi Wuhu, usually busy with official duties and not one for leisurely pursuits, clumsily spun it in his hand a couple of times, still clueless.

Le Wuya looked at him expectantly. "How does it feel?"

Qi Wuhu spun it a few more times, feeling that the walnut was heavy and solid in his hand—no doubt it would taste bad, but it was smooth and comfortable to spin, not rough on the fingers.

...Spin?

Le Wuya laughed. "Even if you can't eat it, you can still use it."

The current emperor was obsessed with spinning walnuts, claiming it was good for health.

The nobles in the capital naturally followed suit, searching everywhere for good walnuts to spin.

If they could also hire a couple of walnut carvers...

Qi Wuhu observed and felt that Le Wuya was devilishly clever—every turn of his mind brought a new idea, his face always cheerful, yet he seemed confident and well-prepared.

But halfway through their walk, they hit a disagreement.

Le Wuya gestured to mark out a patch of land. "Don't plant tea here. Plant some camellias instead. The soil is suitable, the light is right, and not too much—just these few acres."

Qi Wuhu shook his head firmly. "Camellias are delicate, hard to tend. Especially the water and fertilizer—a single misstep ruins an entire season's harvest..."

Good camellias, not to mention the value of mature plants, were expensive even as seedlings.

He thought about the abilities Magistrate Wenren had shown and decided not to be too harsh: "If you're skilled in gardening, you can plant a few in your own backyard."

Le Wuya said bluntly, "I'm not. But I know someone who knows the tricks."

Qi Wuhu still didn't approve. "Then who will plant this land? The common folk don't understand—they'll treat it like ordinary flowers. Do they know about pruning, picking buds, grafting?"

"Educating the people is also the magistrate's duty," Le Wuya said. "Magistrate Qi, do you prefer to do everything yourself, think ahead for everyone, and not let the people worry? That's a bit like..."

He knew his next words were rude, so he lowered his voice: "An old mother hen."

Unfortunately, although Qi Wuhu was past fifty, his ears and eyes were still sharp. Hearing such an assessment, he flew into a rage and stormed off.

Le Wuya watched his wide sleeves flap as he walked away furiously, looking exactly like an old hen with its feathers ruffled. He hurried after him, shamelessly asking, "If we share the profits from the land with the people, they might be willing to learn more, right?"

Qi Wuhu walked fiercely but still answered, "If there's profit to be made, do you think it'll be the common folk's turn? The wealthy gentry will definitely demand their share!"

Le Wuya stroked his chin: "I just killed a wealthy squire. With Master Chen's example set before them, they won't dare come before me looking for death, will they?"

Seeing him argue at every turn, completely incorrigible, Qi Wuhu fumed: "I'm out of here!"

Le Wuya half-dragged, half-coaxed Qi Wuhu to the Nanting Coal Mine, asking him to survey the dam sites he had his eye on.

Qi Wuhu, though he was fuming, still helped him point out the flaws, ultimately marking fourteen locations suitable for building dams.

Before leaving, Qi Wuhu was still simmering: "You already had a plan in mind—why did you invite me here?!"

Le Wuya said aggrievedly: "Who invited you? I just sent a letter to ask."

Qi Wuhu: "...If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, how could I talk nonsense!"

Seeing him turn a caring comment into such a sharp reply, Le Wuya laughed and patted his back to soothe him: "Old sir, it's my fault, my fault. Ming Ke is young, with a bit of cleverness, but I can never be certain, afraid that if I overlook something, I'll harm the people. With your guidance, Ming Ke feels like the clouds have parted to reveal the sun—my mind is at ease."

Le Wuya's eyes were sincere, his voice soft, reminding Qi Wuhu of his own little grandson—troublesome but good at acting spoiled yet endearing.

Thinking that, how could he stay angry?

Before leaving, Le Wuya stuffed some local specialties into his hands.

Qi Wuhu refused, leading his horse off.

Halfway there, when he stopped by the horse to drink water, he found that bag of local specialties lying in his saddlebag alongside his water flask.

Qi Wuhu was so annoyed he laughed out loud.

He couldn't help pondering: what exactly was this man after, inviting him here and repeatedly showing off his talents like a peacock flaunting its plumage?

He had been a county magistrate for decades, from youth to old age, always with the same stubborn temper, stuck in that poor little county, never promoted.

Why did Magistrate Wenren specifically seek him out to discuss matters?

Turning it over and over, Qi Wuhu only felt that this young magistrate had deep and inscrutable thoughts.

Strange as he was, though, he truly had remarkable talent.

If he actually made something grow, perhaps Qi Wuhu could invite him to Jinyuan County to offer advice on people's welfare.

...

When the willows by the street were showing green, the Sixth and Seventh Princes wrapped up their tours and returned to the capital to report at the palace.

The Emperor called in the Fifth Prince to listen, singled out a few cases involving corruption, imperial examinations, and salt and iron, and asked for details from Xiang Zhijie.

Xiang Zhijie took the order and reported them, one by one.

Hearing his brief but smooth report, the Emperor clapped his hands joyfully: "Zhi Jie has really recovered well now."

Xiang Zhijie bowed respectfully: "It is by the Emperor Father's grace that I am still here."

Xiang Zhishi just fingered his jeweled earring, saying nothing.

The Emperor suddenly asked: "Zhishi, how goes the Nanting County matter?"

Regarding the Nanting scholars' rebellion case, the two had already submitted a memorial in detail. Xiang Zhishi only highlighted the main points, adding at the end: "The verdict for the Nanting case has probably already been sent to the capital. I await Father Emperor's perusal."

The Emperor nodded slightly: "The Three Judicial Boards reviewed it yesterday and submitted a memorial. I have read it. Framing scholars on a capital charge of treason—truly detestable. If not severely punished, it would discourage all scholars across the realm. That county magistrate is quite adept at judging cases, but after all, he's young and tender-hearted. Just a beheading—too light a sentence. I have returned it for revision. The others aside, the main culprit Chen Yuanwei is to be changed to death by slicing, as a warning."

Xiang Zhishi: "Your Majesty is wise."

The Fifth Prince seemed distracted. Hearing Xiang Zhishi's words, as if suddenly realizing something, he quickly followed: "Your Majesty is wise."

That remark was really abrupt and rude.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the Fifth Prince realized this had nothing to do with him, immediately shut his mouth, and looked chagrined.

The Emperor did not rebuke him, but asked with a smile: "Zhiyun, did you not sleep well last night?"

A thin sweat broke out on the Fifth Prince's forehead, and he replied softly: "No, Father."

"Then are the attendants around you not serving well? Could it be that Zuo Ruyi..."

The Fifth Prince gave a slight shudder: "...No."

The Emperor's tone was unusually gentle: "Xiaoliu and Xiaoqi went out on imperial business outside the capital. It is for the sake of the country, for me, and for you. You must listen carefully and not let your mind wander again."

Since the Crown Prince had died of illness, the position of Eastern Palace had been vacant for a long time.

Even though no title was officially given, everyone knew the Fifth Prince was the heir apparent.

But if Le Wuya were here, seeing the Fifth Prince's demeanor, he would surely be surprised.

When he last saw the Fifth Prince before his death, he was still a brilliant and promising young man—how had he gotten so timid and scared?

"Where was I?" The Emperor paused for a moment. "Ah, yes. The Nanting County magistrate is named Wenren Yue, correct?"

Xiang Zhishi smiled: "Yes, Father. This man is not of high seniority, but he has top-notch talent. Moreover, he is handsome in appearance. You will surely be pleased when you see him."

"Oh?" Xiang Zheng wore a gentle, faint smile. "I do like him quite a bit."

He relaxed his posture, resting his hand on the table: "Though this man came from the Imperial Academy, he acts properly and observes the rituals. In the letters he sent to you two, he doesn't flatter, doesn't fawn, and asks for neither office nor money, and does not even mention official matters, reporting everything through proper channels..."

The Emperor's voice was calm and gentle, with a hint of playfulness: "To have won such favor from you two, he must surely be an outstanding figure."

In Zhaoming Hall, there was dead silence for a moment.

Xiang Zhijie and Xiang Zhishi stood with their hands down, listening to the reprimand, motionless.

The Fifth Prince seemed to have suffered a great fright. In this suffocating, heavy atmosphere, his shoulders seemed laden with a thousand pounds, trembling uncontrollably.

Fortunately, Le Wuya knew this old emperor's character very well.

The letters he wrote were absolutely flawless.

If the two princes showed favor to some local official in charge of salt, iron, or military, the Emperor would surely be wary.

But for them to both favor a small county magistrate who was only a graduate of the Imperial Academy—the Emperor would find it amusing.

After a brief silence, Xiang Zhijie looked up and answered frankly: "To answer Father Emperor, he is not just an outstanding figure—he has the bearing of a qilin."

Xiang Zhishi even put on a frivolous air: "And he is quite handsome, too."

Seeing their reactions, the Emperor revealed another unfathomable smile.

He took a sip of tea, then suddenly said: "I have a question. Zhishi received four letters, but Zhijie only received three. How is that so?"

Xiang Zhijie: "..."

Xiang Zhi was taken aback, then turned to look at Xiang Zhijie, a smile tugging at his lips. "Is that so? I wouldn't know. Perhaps Sixth Brother is just too dull?"

The Emperor smiled slightly as he looked at the Sixth Prince. "Zhi Jie, what are you thinking about?"

Xiang Zhijie raised his eyes, looking thoughtful. "Your Majesty, I have a request. The Imperial Guard Jiang He accompanied us on this trip and handled matters very well. May I have him as the Guard Captain of my residence?"

The Emperor knew that his son always had a slow temperament and didn't understand jokes, so he waved his hand and said, "If you want to promote him, go ahead and take him."

...

The Sixth Prince's residence was located slightly south of the capital city, with gray bricks and black tiles, very plain and simple.

He was raised by Imperial Consort Zhuang, an otherworldly being, detached from worldly desires, and she raised him to be as detached as a Taoist priest.

Jiang He was brought back to the residence.

Suddenly faced with the good news of promotion, he remained expressionless, thinking that he would surely devote himself wholeheartedly to repay this great kindness.

Ru Feng, the attendant in the residence, helped Xiang Zhijie remove his cloak.

Xiang Zhijie said gracefully, "Has anyone sent a flute score?"

Ru Feng replied, "Along with the letter, there was a small box. It's all placed on your desk in Wuya Hall. I haven't looked at it yet."

Xiang Zhijie nodded. "Good, don't mind me. Take Jiang He down and settle him in. I'm going to Shuang Sui Hall to practice. I'll settle myself later. You don't need to attend to me."

Ru Feng agreed readily.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw Jiang He waiting in the courtyard.

Seeing that the newly appointed Guard Captain's face was as expressionless as if he'd been guarding a temple gate for a decade, Ru Feng groaned inwardly, guessing that this person would be difficult to get along with.

As they walked, Jiang He heard cheerful flute music coming from the southeast corner.

He turned around, a look of surprise on his face.

Seeing that he finally showed some expression, Ru Feng quickly explained, "It's the prince's habit before sleep—he always plays a few tunes."

Jiang He: "Oh."

Seeing him revert to that poker face, Ru Feng sighed inwardly.

Truly a strange person.

Jiang He thought: such a dignified person should like playing the zither or guqin, how could he like folk tunes like "The Mouse Marries His Daughter," like a young warrior?

Ru Feng took Jiang He around the residence to familiarize him with the environment.

After settling him in, hearing the flute music still playing, Ru Feng went to check if there were any missed spots in the Sixth Prince's room. He happened to encounter some small issues with the residence's accounts and went to sort them out, which took some effort.

On the way back, he happened upon two maids quarreling.

After mediating for a while, Ru Feng hurried to check if the water for the Sixth Prince's bath was still warm over the fire.

As Ru Feng just came out from behind the screen, he suddenly noticed someone standing in the courtyard outside the window.

He shuddered in fright, then recognized who it was: "...Lord Jiang?"

Jiang He turned around and said succinctly, "Wasn't it supposed to be just a few tunes? The Sixth Prince is still playing."

Ru Feng then noticed the time: "...Ah, how long has he been playing?"

Xiang Zhijie had not paused for breath, playing straight through most of the night, with the flute music lingering, sometimes joyful and lively, sometimes plaintive and moving.

In the dead of night, Xiang Zhijie took a sip of the tea Ru Feng had brought, placed his flute horizontally on his lap, and the slow-burning flame in his chest still fueled a rising surge of emotion.

...Why only three letters?