Chapter 157: In-Laws, Leaving Beijing, Profit and Loss

Coincidentally, King Beiliang Xu Xiao was about to leave the capital just as Grand General Gu Jiantang returned from Liangliao for court. Today's morning court was not held in the Hall of Preserving Harmony, but in the Hall of Nurturing Spirit, typically used for such gatherings. Outside the main southern gate, the factions were clearly delineated: Grand Secretary Zhang Julu's Zhang Faction, Grand General Gu Jiantang's military faction which monopolized the Ministry of War, Wen Taiyi and Hong Lingshu's Qing Faction (serving as senior venerables), and Old Grand Tutor Sun Xiji of Western Chu, who was whispered by local Liyang power brokers to be a "servant of two families," leading the Eight Kingdoms' remnants and new nobles. The four major factions gathered, clearly divided. Grand Secretary Zhang always arrived neither early nor late. The two Grand Pillars, Wen and Hong, who had once formed a three-way standoff with Grand Pillar Lu Feichi within the Qing Faction, were now advanced in years and generally arrived later. In contrast, Sun Xiji, with his snowy eyebrows and hair, always arrived early outside the Tai'an Imperial City, a gesture of an old warhorse still ready for service. However, he was a man of few words. This old man, once hailed as one of the "Twin Jades of Western Chu" alongside Ye Baikui, the Martial Sage of the Spring and Autumn Period, now held a high position in the dynasty, overseeing the Censorate, with the power to impeach and remonstrate. After joining the dynasty, he never compromised his principles, never spoke idly. When he spoke, it was always with purpose, earning him the profound respect of His Majesty the Emperor. Rumor had it he was soon to be granted the title of a Grand Academician.

Sun Xiji's head was full of white hair, and his skin was wrinkled like an old pine. His health wasn't good; he would often catch colds in winter and suffer heatstroke in summer. The Emperor even made an exception to grant this old minister a seat. Yet, at present, Old Sun still appeared quite spirited. He was surrounded by a group of Eight Kingdoms' elders, all roughly sixty years old. The second generation of "new remnants," however, didn't mind standing openly with the other three factions, exchanging polite greetings and chatting about harmless amusing anecdotes.

Sun Xiji looked up and saw two colleagues approaching from a distance. The old Grand Tutor's expression was indifferent. When all the civil and military officials noticed the two, they immediately fell silent in unison. One of them wore a first-rank civil official's robe embroidered with cranes, had a purple beard, green eyes, was tall, and possessed a distinctive appearance, walking at an unhurried pace. The other wore a first-rank military official's uniform embroidered with a qilin. He had a pair of narrow, phoenix-like eyes and habitually squinted when looking at people or things, which, far from giving him a delicate appearance, added a touch of severity. His steps were firm. This person had arrived with Grand Secretary Zhang Julu. Presumably, his pace was faster, as they initially walked side-by-side but he gradually moved a full body length ahead of Grand Secretary Zhang. Yet, he seemed completely oblivious to anything being amiss, walking straight towards Tai'an. Among all civil and military officials, only Grand General Gu was so unrestrained. Gu Jiantang's actions bordered on arrogance, though his speech remained courteous. He didn't speak with his direct Gu Faction subordinates, but first greeted Sun Xiji, the Left Assistant Minister of the Censorate. Old Assistant Minister Sun nodded with a smile. The old man held no ill will towards this famous Spring and Autumn general, as it was Xu the Butcher and Chen the White-Robed, the adoptive father and son, who had destroyed Western Chu.

The Grand Imperial Secretaries (Dahuang) of the Central Secretariat were close confidants of the Emperor within the imperial court. These 'Huanglang' were not eunuchs, and the two could not be compared. Only high-ranking eunuchs could be called Grand Eunuchs or Grand Diao Si. While it was true that powerful officials dared not take these great eunuchs lightly, only the Imperial Secretaries (Neishi Huang) were closest to the Emperor, no less so than the palace eunuchs. Furthermore, both senior and junior Imperial Secretaries generally enjoyed excellent reputations among scholars, giving them ample confidence to confront eunuchs. They eagerly sought any excuse to "cleanse the emperor's side" to demonstrate their loyalty, thus making them greatly feared by eunuchs. Consequently, the Grand Imperial Secretaries held eminent and illustrious positions. These dozen or so influential figures, who had direct access to the Emperor, did not form their own faction to contend with the four major parties, but rather stood dispersed. This group varied widely in age; there were elders as old as Sun Xiji, most were in their prime like Gu Jiantang, and the youngest were still under thirty. One of the latest appointees to Grand Imperial Secretary was an outsider whose reputation wasn't bad; he had a minor reputation for integrity. His self-made Lanting-style treated paper was highly praised in the capital. However, under normal circumstances, based on his qualifications and scholarship, he was far from eligible to serve as an Imperial Secretary in the Central Secretariat; even a Junior Imperial Secretary would have been a stretch, let alone a Grand Imperial Secretary. Yet, somehow, this young man was personally recommended by King Beiliang's confidant. Not long ago, even before Grand Pillar Xu arrived in the capital, the imperial decree for Jin Lanting's entry into the Central Secretariat was swiftly dispatched to the northwest. This was Imperial Secretary Jin's first formal morning court. This young man came from an ordinary gentry family in the provinces and had no deep roots or connections in the capital. The haughty capital officials naturally disliked this lucky fellow whose "ancestral grave was smoking." King Beiliang is not someone you can offend. So, you're King Beiliang's relative? Fine, we won't trouble you. But don't expect us to be friendly with you, no way! What if you are the new Grand Imperial Secretary? How many major figures in the capital were eyeing this position? To have a large piece of fat snatched from their bowl by an unknown outsider, how could they not be angry?

Jin Lanting, who had never dealt with capital officials before, appeared somewhat ill at ease. He stood alone in a corner, sweating under the cold stares around him. His initial ambition upon arriving in the capital vanished. Nearby, a Regular Attendant of the Censorate scoffed in a clear voice, "People say those 'barbarians from the northwest are like monkeys in caps.' I didn't believe it before, but now it seems true!" Soon, several other young and middle-aged officials, such as Rectifiers of Imperial Records and Omissions, who were colleagues of the Regular Attendant in the Censorate, echoed the word "true" with laughter. This made the isolated and helpless Jin Lanting wish he could dig a hole and disappear. Jin Lanting now truly felt the exclusivity of the capital officials. He was physically frail and not particularly resolute in character. Having experienced such unexpected humiliation, his eyes immediately turned red, with faint signs of tears, which only drew more sneering mockery from the capital officials who excelled at bullying the weak. At this moment, Grand Secretary Zhang Julu looked over from a distance. Seeing this scene, he frowned slightly and stopped. Gu Jiantang had intended for Grand Secretary Zhang to enter the imperial city first, but seeing the Grand Secretary turn in a different direction, Grand General Gu, without formality, entered the main hall first. Gu's faction generals naturally followed in single file, and Sun Xiji along with the two Grand Venerables of the Qing Faction also followed closely behind. The Zhang Faction held the greatest power and numbers at court. With their Grand Secretary not entering the city, they naturally dared not make any move, so they remained standing, all looking towards the Grand Secretary, exchanging glances, each seeing doubt in the other's eyes. Zhang Julu, possessing immense official gravitas, approached the dejected Jin Lanting. He said warmly with a slight smile, "Imperial Secretary Jin, a few days ago, I shamelessly asked Ritual Libationer Huan for a few sheets of your Lanting-style treated paper. That old fellow begrudged it as if cutting off his own flesh. Only after trying it did I understand why Old Huan cherished it so much—it truly is as light as a cicada's wing, and makes no sound when shaken. If you don't mind, I might have to ask you, the creator of Lanting paper, for a few more sheets."

Jin Lanting looked up, an incredulous expression on his face, stammering and unable to speak. The officials who had been waiting for a show slowly dispersed, no longer daring to openly mock this outsider who had fortuitously gained a high position.

Grand Secretary Zhang didn't mind, patting Jin Lanting's shoulder. As he brushed past him, he said calmly, "Only a true gentleman avoids forming factions and engaging in private dealings. Let them laugh today; we shall see who laughs in ten years."

Jin Lanting's legs turned to jelly, and he almost knelt down towards that retreating back.

A scholar would die for one who truly appreciates him!

The founding emperor of this dynasty first established the waist sash system, allowing the use of jade sashes for everyone from the Son of Heaven down to feudal lords, princes, dukes, ministers, and officials of the third rank and above. The number of jade pieces inlaid on the sash was also explicitly stipulated by law. Grand Pillar Xu Xiao of the current dynasty, due to his outstanding military achievements, was specially granted a white jade sash with fifteen jade pieces by the late emperor, while Grand General Gu Jiantang had thirteen jade pieces. Under the current emperor, imperial sashes were few and far between. Chen Zhibao, openly favored by the emperor, had been granted a purple sash with twelve jade pieces. After the death of the old Grand Secretary, Zhang Julu, who rose over a dozen ranks in two years to become Grand Secretary, was consecutively granted four purple sashes and one gold-inlaid sash. The number of jade pieces on the others increased incrementally: six, ten, and thirteen. In this dynasty, jade was the most esteemed material for sashes worn with court attire, followed by gold, silver, copper, and iron. Unless specifically granted by the emperor, one could not exceed their official rank.

While the specifications for jade sashes could not be violated, gentlemen's fondness for jade was an ancient custom. The court did not prohibit wearing jade pendants at the waist. After Jin Lanting entered the city with the civil and military officials, as they walked along, the jade pendants clinked and tinkled, creating a clear, ethereal sound.

Jin Lanting was deeply moved.

This was the very heart of the Liyang Dynasty.

If there was any major event recently, Jin Lanting, a nobody entering the Central Secretariat, seemed insignificant compared to Lu Daolin's resignation from his position as Right Ritual Libationer of the Imperial Academy, which was approved by imperial decree. The case of the Beiliang heir wantonly killing scholars in Jiangnan stirred an immediate uproar in the well-informed capital. The thirty thousand students of the Imperial Academy were incensed, creating a clamor and dust. Even knowing that the King with a different surname was still in the capital, these future pillars of the dynasty could not be stopped from exploding with discussion. The Imperial Academy in Tai'an City was originally very small, limiting enrollment to descendants of the imperial clan, imperial in-laws, and meritorious officials of the third rank and above. It expanded under the late emperor, adding five halls, six lecture halls, and eighteen annexes. After the Spring and Autumn Period ended and the realm was unified, the Imperial Academy completely opened its doors and now accommodates thirty thousand students. The Imperial Academy's buildings stretched for ten li, a magnificent and unprecedented sight. The Imperial Academy had two Ritual Libationers, a Left and a Right, similar to the Imperial College. In recent years, an endless stream of imperial students had flocked to the Imperial Academy, forming their own scholarly community, which subtly seemed to rival the Imperial College in its grand atmosphere.

Lu Daolin, head of the Lu clan of Yangzhou, as Right Ritual Libationer, ranked only below Huan Wen, the Left Ritual Libationer who was once a colleague of Grand Secretary Zhang. This time, burdened by the brutal actions of his in-law's son in Jiangnan, his reputation was damaged. Believing he could no longer serve as a role model for the thirty thousand students of the Imperial Academy, he voluntarily resigned as Right Ritual Libationer. As for whether Left Ritual Libationer Huan Wen played a role in this, perhaps only Lu Daolin himself would know. Lu Daolin had closed his doors to visitors these past few days, making people believe that Ritual Libationer Lu, who had "capsized in the ditch," was truly disheartened. Lu Daolin sat behind his desk, holding a classic sage text, his expression composed, showing no hint of dejection. The head butler hurried in, slowing his pace as he reached the doorway, and bowed, saying, "Master, Grand Pillar Xu is visiting."

Unexpectedly, Lu Daolin paused for a moment in thought, then said in a deep voice, "Open the main gate!"

The head butler's face showed a strange expression as he replied, "Reporting, Master, Grand Pillar Xu said opening the main gate was too much trouble, so he entered directly through the side gate. He'll be here any moment."

Lu Daolin smiled, shook his head with a touch of helplessness, and stood up to straighten his robes. Just as he stepped out of his study, he saw a hunchbacked man walking down the inner corridor. Suddenly, the old man threw an arm around his neck, laughing loudly with a hint of reproach: "My dear in-law, you're not being fair! The Xiamawei Posthouse is only a few steps from here. What, do you insist I come to you? Won't you even give me some face? Is that how in-laws treat each other?"

One was the immensely powerful King Beiliang, and the other, the supremely eminent former Ritual Libationer of the Imperial Academy. Yet, after the two in-laws met, the latter was nearly choked, unable to breathe, by the arm around his neck. Fortunately, the head butler, a loyal servant of the Lu family his entire life, never averted his gaze.

Lu Daolin, who had originally enjoyed an excellent reputation among scholars both North and South and was widely recognized for his profound appreciation of ancient customs, could only cock his neck to the side, saying with a helpless expression, "Grand Pillar, this... this is hardly proper."

Xu Xiao released him, entered the study with his hands clasped behind his back, and Lu Daolin signaled the head butler with his eyes to close the door.

Only the two in-laws, who were constantly under public scrutiny, remained in the study.

Xu Xiao sat nonchalantly in a chair and asked with a chuckle, "Suddenly without an official post, do you feel an unsettling emptiness inside?"

Lu Daolin smiled and replied, "Tolerable."

Xu Xiao waved his hand, speaking directly: "I won't beat around the bush with you. Tell me, among the Six Ministries of the Grand Secretariat, where do you want to go? Let's make it clear beforehand. Of course, you don't need to consider the Ministry of War; that bastard Gu Jiantang always treats it like his own wife, and he'll go ballistic if an outsider steps in. The Ministry of Personnel is also difficult; it's Zhang Biyan's impregnable territory, practically impervious to outside influence. As for the Ministry of Justice, it's not suitable for you. The Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Revenue, or Ministry of Works, my dear in-law, you choose one yourself. Heh, if you want me to leave the capital early, you'll have to give me some incentive."

Although Lu Daolin had long considered this, since he couldn't stay in the Imperial Academy and had never truly surpassed Huan Wen despite years of contention, it was better to find another path. However, no matter how one looked at it, the Ritual Libationers of the Imperial Academy were always paramount among the eminent and pure officials. In the current dynasty, neither the Central Secretariat nor the Censorate had a full Provincial Governor, and even the highly respected Sun Xiji was merely a Left Assistant Minister of the Censorate. The two Ritual Libationers had thus become the pinnacle for esteemed scholars. Furthermore, since Lu Daolin had only slightly trailed Huan Wen in the Imperial Academy over the years, he had naturally cultivated a considerable number of confidants and had, in effect, students everywhere. His only regret was that if he went to one of the Six Ministries, he might have no hope of attaining the title of Grand Academician for the rest of his life. No matter how open-minded Lu Daolin was, he couldn't escape the conventional expectations of a renowned scholar. However, taking a step back this time didn't necessarily cause him deep sorrow or regret. His Majesty the Emperor had also hinted at his appointment to a Ministry. Lu Daolin believed the Ministry of Rites, being a relatively "clean" (less corrupt) department, was most likely, and he initially had a slight regret about it. But when he received a letter from his kinsman, Lu Baijie, saying he intended to contend for a position as a Bureau Director in the Ministry of War, Lu Daolin immediately poured several large cups of wine and exclaimed with delight. As such, going to the Ministry of Rites became the most appropriate choice; otherwise, it would cross the bottom line of the other three great families of Yangzhou. Lu Daolin did not wish to create complications at this time. In any case, as long as his younger brother Lu Baijie was willing to enter officialdom, everything would be settled! This move was a stroke of good fortune for both the Lu clan and the scholar-gentry class of Yangzhou!

Xu Xiao pursed his lips and said bluntly, "So it's settled."

Lu Daolin hesitated, then said softly, "It might not be necessary for you, my dear in-law, to personally intervene in this matter."

Xu Xiao spat, pointed a finger at Lu Daolin's face, and mercilessly scolded him: "You pedantic in-law! Do you really think the Minister of a Ministry is something you can just put in your pocket? If I don't show my face, do you believe that Zhang Biyan, by simply teaming up with Sun Xiji, could pin you down in some dilapidated place, unable to raise your head?"

Lu Daolin was startled.

Xu Xiao shook his head and chuckled, "My dear in-law, you've read many sage texts and understand many great principles, but being an official isn't something you can achieve by simply being reserved. Let me tell you plainly, if you treat the Minister of Rites position like the Ritual Libationer of the Imperial Academy, you'll be packing your bags and rolling out before long."

Lu Daolin sighed and said, "I've learned a lesson."

Xu Xiao waved his hand, smiled, and squinted his eyes, "Fengnian's mischief in Jiangnan made you lose your position at the Imperial Academy, are you angry about it?"

Lu Daolin replied earnestly, "To say I'm not angry would be hypocritical. But honestly, I can't blame His Royal Highness for getting angry. If family members don't help each other, even the largest family fortune will be squandered. This is a truth even a country bumpkin understands, and Lu Daolin understands it too."

Lu Daolin then said with a look of guilt, "I have already written to Xuanlang, telling him he cannot act on impulse in the future!"

Only then did Xu Xiao open his eyes. He slowly stood up and said, "My dear in-law, that's what family says."

Lu Daolin felt relieved. Seeing Xu Xiao's stance, as if he was about to leave as soon as he had sat down, he asked in surprise, "My dear in-law, are you leaving already?"

Xu Xiao retorted impatiently, "What, should I keep speaking formalities with you? Yes, I'm going back to Beiliang."

Lu Daolin was speechless.

As Xu Xiao left the study, he chuckled softly, "Don't worry about His Majesty's suspicions toward you and me. The law cannot ignore human nature. Since we are in-laws, we must act like in-laws. If we were more distant than strangers or enemies, that would confuse those with ulterior motives. And when they are confused, they start to speculate wildly, and wild speculation often leads to trouble, right?"

Lu Daolin, who had harbored a cloud in his heart, finally felt completely relieved.

The King of Beiliang arrived and departed swiftly. What Lu Daolin didn't know was that Princess Sui Zhu, on a discreet private visit, was sitting in the carriage outside.

After Xu Xiao entered the carriage, Her Royal Highness the Princess tugged at his sleeve and said with a distressed face, "Uncle Xu, can you not leave the capital? Xiaoya is so bored."

Xu Xiao chuckled, "There's nothing I can do; your uncle is fated to be busy. How about I have Fengnian come to the capital to play with you?"

Princess Sui Zhu's eyes darted around.

Xu Xiao rubbed her head and said, "See? You still hold a grudge, don't you? Alright, your uncle will have to use his trump card: I'll take you for several big bowls of almond tofu. If you're still angry with Fengnian after that, your uncle won't be pleased."

Her Royal Highness the Princess playfully shook Grand Pillar Xu's sleeve, hummed twice, and smiled brightly, "Alright, alright, for Uncle Xu's sake, I won't bother with that fellow!"

That day, after having almond tofu, three coins a bowl, with Princess Sui Zhu, historical records state that this was King Beiliang Xu Xiao's last entry into and departure from the capital.

After exiting the city, King Beiliang, still dressed as a wealthy gentleman, stepped down from his carriage, hands tucked into his sleeves, and gazed at the towering city walls.

Beside him stood Yang Taisui, the 'Sick Tiger in Black Robes.'

Xu Xiao sighed with emotion, "Old Baldy Yang, after today's farewell, I reckon we won't see each other again in this lifetime, will we?"

The old National Preceptor nodded woodenly.

Xu Xiao chuckled, "Whoever dies later, remember to pour wine on the other's grave during the Qingming Festival."

Yang Taisui calmly replied, "This poor monk is very poor and cannot afford good wine, so I will certainly die first. It's a gain for me."

Xu Xiao reached out and rubbed the National Preceptor's bald head, saying, "You, you're unwilling to suffer even the smallest loss in your entire life. Being your brother, I've lost out!"

The two men who had once overthrown eight kingdoms while chatting and laughing now parted ways.

The old monk in black robes stood rooted to the spot, watching the carriage gradually disappear. He touched his bald head, and finally bowed his head, pressing his palms together.