Chapter 88: The Imperial Tutor

A gentle breeze swept in, bringing with it the chill of the night.

Xiao Chiye's murderous intent had dissipated by eight tenths at the sound of "Second Brother". He fell silent for a moment, composing himself in the cool air.

When Shen Zechuan looked back at Ge Qingqing, there was no trace of panic on his face. He said, "Amassing such a large sum of silver is not something that can be accomplished in a short time. No matter how clean he thinks he has covered his tracks, he cannot fool everyone. Gather your men tonight and leave the city. Head to Qin Prefecture first and inquire along the way about all major trading activities between Juexi and the northeast in the past two years. Have someone compile these records and present them to me."

Ge Qingqing had been deeply worried ever since receiving the news, but seeing Shen Zechuan chatting calmly put him somewhat at ease, allowing him to regain his composure.

"Chen Yang," Xiao Chiye said, draping his cloak over his shoulder as a signal, "take them first to the Quanju Meeting Hall and hang up a sign for an average horse. Issue a warrant for the apprehension of a notorious pirate, claiming that he has fled to Juexi, making it inconvenient for the Imperial Army to pursue him outside the capital. Assign the task to the Jin Yiwei instead. I'll personally visit the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice tomorrow morning to report this."

The city gates were already closed, so they could not leave the capital without permission. Moreover, the Jin Yiwei were responsible for investigations and arrests. Normally, they had to report to the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Censors before going on an assignment outside the capital and wait for approval. By giving Ge Qingqing a reason to lead his men out of the city, Xiao Chiye spared him from any subsequent questioning by the Ministry of Justice.

Ge Qingqing immediately set off after receiving the order. Chen Yang put on his clothes and led the way, and the two of them left the residence first.

Shen Zechuan was dressed lightly, and Xiao Chiye brought him back inside. Seeing that he was still deep in thought, Xiao Chiye said, "Mr. Shen's matter is also intertwined with Xue Xiuzhuo. Since he is willing to move you away, it shows that he still has use for you and will not rashly harm you. There are too many secrets hidden within the Xue residence. I need to come up with a reason to obtain a special search warrant from the Emperor."

"To mobilize the Imperial Army, we need solid evidence of a major case. For now, we have to rely on the Jin Yiwei for our inquiries." Shen Zechuan did not return to his original seat. Seeing that it was getting late, he knew that he would not be able to rest tonight. Thus, he poured a cup of strong tea, took a sip, and passed the remainder to Xiao Chiye.

Xiao Chiye finished his drink and said, "Xue Xiuzhuo is meticulous in all things. He doesn't accept any tribute from provincial officials. During his time as an imperial censor, he was considered the cleanest among them and was seldom impeached. Even the Jin Yiwei would find it difficult to find a reason to investigate him."

"Conducting a high-profile investigation would only alert the snake," Shen Zechuan toyed with his teacup, contemplating the bitter taste. "He's in the open while we're in the shadows. As long as Xue Xiuyi keeps his move hidden, we'll remain on the offensive. Matters outside the palace are one thing, but those within require even more caution. Since he already has murderous intentions toward the Emperor and has Mu Ru and Feng Quan assisting him, he'll have a thorough understanding of the Emperor's every move. We must be on our guard."

After some thought, Xiao Chiye said, "Isn't Feng Quan newly appointed as the head eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial? With his qualifications, he'll surely face criticism from both inside and outside the court. Fu Man is eagerly waiting for his chance below, and Hai Liangyi despises eunuchs. Feng Quan's current position holds far less power than when Pan Rugui was in charge. If we can trap him between these two fronts and keep him preoccupied, he won't have the energy to help Xue Xiuzhuo."

"Maintaining the Emperor's confidence is also crucial," Shen Zechuan continued. "The matter of the imperial heir cannot become public knowledge."

Since Li Jianheng ascended the throne, he had been criticized by the censors and faced multiple crises. His political achievements were not impressive, and his reputation among the people was inferior to that of the previous emperor. If news of the imperial heir leaked, it would inevitably cause unrest, and from any perspective, it wouldn't be beneficial for maintaining stability.

"No matter if what Xue Xiuzhuo holds is a true dragon or a false one," Xiao Chiye pressed his bone ring against the table, staring at the glass lamp, "the emperor of Great Zhou can only be Li Jianheng. Even if a successor is to be chosen later, it must be one of Li Jianheng's sons."

The Xiao family currently held a slight advantage over the Huas, and they maintained their momentum. Xiao Chiye's steps were steady, and Xiao Jiming, in Beili, also held his ground. Their rivalry with the noble families in Zhongbo and Qidong remained subdued due to the mediation of upright officials like Hai Liangyi, barely keeping the two tigers from tearing each other apart. However, Hai Liangyi's most significant shield was Li Jianheng. The Emperor trusted and respected him, knowing of his unwavering loyalty. Therefore, Hai Liangyi didn't immediately side with the Empress Dowager during the tug-of-war and was consulted by Li Jianheng on all matters, large and small, which was the foundation for his stable position as the prime minister in the new dynasty.

Li Jianheng, the person himself, might not be significant, but after his ascension, "Li Jianheng" became crucial. He was at the center of the crossfire, a cage that constrained all parties, and a dagger that all sides could wield against each other.

As Xue Xiuzhuo emerged, Shen Zechuan couldn't help but ponder if there was anyone else behind him amidst his search for a breakthrough.

* * *

A few days later, it drizzled, and Xue Xiuzhuo took a day off from his official duties.

He wore an azure silk robe with a solid pattern and visited Qi Huilian in his small pavilion. Qi Huilian was indulging in his meal, not even sparing Xue a glance.

Xue Xiuzhuo didn't join the table but instead performed the etiquette of a disciple. He noticed Ji Gang sitting by the window, grinding a stone and said to those attending, "Master Ji's injuries haven't fully recovered, and he should avoid spicy foods. Ask the chef from Zhuanzhou to prepare a new set of dishes."

"No need for the trouble," Ji Gang replied, blowing away dust particles with a deep voice. "I won't be eating."

Without waiting for Xue to speak further, the attendant retreated to instruct the chef. The Xue family was a prominent one in Jincheng, and they were not accustomed to the flavors of Zhongbo. Thus, this chef from Zhuanzhou had been personally hired by Xue Xiuzhuo for Ji Gang's sake.

Raindrops tapped gently against the windows, while April's tender apricot blossoms in the courtyard were battered into mud by the downpour. Qi Huilian, sated with food and drink, wiped his mouth and rose to survey the desolate scene. "There's no point in trying; Ji Gang is strong-willed. If he doesn't want to eat, there's nothing you can do. Just prepare some steamed buns and pickled vegetables for him to stave off hunger."

Xue Xiuzhuo responded with a smile, "As honored elders are visiting my home, I cannot afford to be disrespectful."

"Well, then open the door," Ji Gang said, carving eyes and a nose onto a stone. "We can find our own way back."

Xue Xiuzhuo's expression remained unruffled as he replied, "Spring chills are still lingering. I see that even Censor Shen has yet to find a settled place for himself. How could he possibly provide adequate accommodations for both of you?"

"Stop putting on airs in front of us. If you're imprisoning us, just say so," Qi Huilian walked a few steps, the sound of his ankle shackles echoing. "I've spent my life being confined here and there, and it's nearly at an end. I'm old, he's disabled. What do you intend to do with two weak, aged, and infirm men like us?"

Xue Xiuzhuo personally bent down to pick up Qi Huilian's fallen chopsticks, wiped them with a handkerchief, and said, "Sir was once a renowned figure in history, deserving of being enshrined in the imperial temple after your passing. Unfortunately, you followed the wrong person and pretended to be mad for twenty years in the Zhaozui Temple. Now, I wish to invite you to become the emperor's tutor once more. Not only can this make up for the regret that you missed the enthronement ceremony of the crown prince back then, but it can also clear your name, allowing you to regain your dignity and return to the public eye with honor. Aren't these reasons compelling enough? I am someone who holds great respect and admiration for you."

"Be the emperor's tutor again," Qi Huilian stepped back, dragging his chains, and laughed bitterly. "You want me to do that? How audacious you are! The empire is currently at peace, and the current emperor rules legitimately, with Hai Liangyi's guidance and support. What use could I, Qi Huilian, be? Mad and foolish, I'm utterly useless!"

Xue Xiuzhuo set down the chopsticks and said, "Sir, you were slandered and fell into this situation. During Empress Dowager's reign in Yongyi, the Zhou dynasty's foundations were shaken, and corrupt officials ran rampant. It was even worse in Xiande, with Hua and Pan colluding to wreak havoc across the capital and the eight cities, causing immense suffering to the people. Then, there was the defeat at Zhongbo, leaving six provinces in despair. You spent twenty empty years in the Zhaozui Temple. Now, you've lost the bold spirit you once had. Don't you have the will to compete with Hai Liangyi anymore?"

Qi Huilian turned, leaning against the window as he watched the rain beat against the apricot blossoms. After a moment of silence, he said, "Twenty-five years ago, I did want to compete with Hai Liangyi. We both took the imperial examinations, yet he remained unremarkable while I achieved the highest honors. In my youth, I didn't understand the intricacies of the bureaucracy and was framed, resulting in my banishment from the capital. I was ashamed to face the people of Yuzhou and fell into depression for years. Later, when Hai Liangyi rose through the ranks, the crown prince didn't appoint him but instead summoned me from Yuzhou to the capital, where I became the East Palace Grand Tutor and concurrently served as the Minister of Personnel. Hai Liangyi has always been inferior to me, but he's a gentleman. When the crown prince committed suicide, everyone wanted him dead, yet he still held onto hope. For that alone, I can't compare to him! There's no rivalry between us, only mutual respect. Alas, fate is blind, and we are two people who, despite our similar paths, cannot work together. Trapped for twenty-five years, you're right; I no longer have the desire to compete with him."

Silence descended upon the room, filled only with the sound of rain and Ji Gang's carving. The rain grew heavier, and the apricot petals fell more chaotically, littering the muddy ground.

"I've taught only two people in my life, pouring all my knowledge into them. I was arrogant, believing in my own talents, and that very arrogance caused suffering to my first student." Qi Huilian gazed at the soiled petals, as if reflecting on his own downfall. He continued, "I, Qi Huilian, am not a deity. Two students are enough for me. I cannot afford to teach others."

Ji Gang coughed violently, covering his mouth with a handkerchief, and grumbled, "Close the window!"

Qi Huilian shut out the scene outside and turned to face Xue Xiuzhuo. "My words are spoken. Don't persist! Leave, don't stay here as an eyesore."

Xue Xiuzhuo remained still. Unlike Xue Xiuyi, they didn't share the same appearance, and he didn't seem like a scion of an aristocratic family. He lacked the arrogance of Pan Lin or Fei Shi, and his status as a concubine's son had made him suffer for decades, honing his refined demeanor without any ostentation.

"I admire your scholarly accomplishments and your understanding of the world. I've visited your humble abode three times to request your assistance because I understand your aspirations. Sir, Hai Liangyi is indeed an upright gentleman, but gentlemen can't coexist with villains indefinitely. The current emperor lacks the tutelage of literature and the benevolence to respect scholars. He's merely a straw in the wind amidst the collapse of the Zhou dynasty. He'll never become a sage king. How much strength does Hai Liangyi have left? Entrusting the fate of the realm solely to him is a distortion of hierarchy and a misjudgment of priorities."

Qi Huilian responded, "Aiding the monarch is indeed a subject's duty. Hai Liangyi is striving to turn the tide and reconcile all factions; he's doing his best. He's a loyal minister. Do you wish for him to be a traitor who replaces the Li family and ushers in a new dynasty?"

"Rivalry between aristocratic and commoner families has persisted for centuries. To eliminate deep-rooted ills, one must be prepared to go all out," Xue Xiuzhuo stood up and continued, "If Li Jianheng is not capable, there are others. The Great Zhou is the Li family's realm. As long as their bloodline remains, it's understandable to replace the ruler in times of crisis."

Qi Huilian disagreed with him, regarding Xue Xiuzhuo merely as an ambitious aristocrat seeking personal gain. He refused to engage in further conversation.

Xue Xiuzhuo stood silently for a moment before saying, "I and you, Sir, are on the same path. It's regrettable that you don't trust me. Nonetheless, I must tell you that Shen Zechuan is a resentful remnant, living only for revenge. His actions are ruthless, and his mindset narrow, vastly different from the prince. Your teaching methods, suitable for grooming an emperor, only aid his destructive tendencies. Even if he achieves something in the future, he will not be a benevolent ruler."

Ji Gang abruptly set down his engraving tool, glaring at Xue Xiuzhuo. "How much do you know about Chuan'er? You all call him a remnant, but in my eyes, each of you is a remnant feasting on the bones! Stop talking and leave now!"

Xue Xiuzhuo bowed and said, "Should you change your mind, I'll await your call anytime."

He left, drawing the curtain behind him.

Xue Xiuyi was strolling outside the courtyard when he saw Xue Xiuzhuo returning. Holding an umbrella, he approached the veranda but accidentally bumped into departing students.

The students, who came from brothels, bowed to him. Xue Xiuyi tossed his umbrella to a servant maid, scanning the group. The maid scolded, "Do you think this is a path you can tread? Disrespecting Master like that, without manners!"

The students lowered their heads and retreated, leaving a girl around seventeen or eighteen standing behind them. Noticing her exceptional beauty, Xue Xiuyi playfully tugged at her sleeve and asked, "Are you also one of Yanqing's purchases? What's your name?"

The girl glanced at Xue Xiuyi but didn't respond. At that moment, Xue Xiuzhuo happened to approach, blocking Xue Xiuyi's view as he smiled and said, "Has Elder Brother just returned? Return to your quarters now. The rain is heavy; don't get drenched."

Xue Xiuyi swatted away his hand impatiently. "I know!"

Taking a few steps forward, Xue Xiuyi heard the students behind him bow in unison, addressing Xue Xiuzhuo as "Master." He turned back for another look, only to see that same girl tilting her head to watch him.

Her gaze was neither fearful nor anxious. Upon being noticed by Xue Xiuyi, she didn't immediately avert her eyes but instead held his stare, making Xue Xiuyi the one who looked away first.

Faced with the onslaught of wind and rain, Xue Xiuyi shivered and hurriedly wrapped his arms around himself before leaving.