Chapter 835: Matter Settled, Leaving With a Sweep of the Sleeve (Part 2)

Due to the unfortunate luck of having three exceptionally diligent emperors in a row, the early morning court sessions in Liyang dragged on endlessly, day after day, year after year.

Yesterday saw many of Taian City's top dignitaries both hoping and being disappointed. Consequently, today's court assembly lacked the grandeur of the previous day, yet it was still considerably livelier than the somewhat quiet early autumn of Xiangfu's second year. Furthermore, the presence of three new figures—Wu Zhongxuan, Gao Shizhi, and Song Daoning—and especially the unexpected appearance of Zhao Yang, the Prince of Changshan, who was as surprising as the sun rising from the west, brightened the spirits of many officials who had previously given up hope, akin to finding "a new village where willows grow dark and flowers bloom bright"—a pleasant surprise after adversity.

Before dawn, the main gates remained closed.

Civil and military officials, distinctly grouped, mostly huddled together, whispering that Senior Imperial Secretary Wen had finally achieved his desired outcome: a lucrative and high-ranking external appointment.

However, some shrewd observers had already keenly noted that Jin Sanlang had not yet appeared. In the past, that Deputy Minister of Rites, known for growing his beard to show his resolve, would have long since been standing near the main gate, chatting and laughing with his colleagues. Today, Sima Puhua, the Minister of Rites, and Jiang Yongle, the Right Deputy Minister, two individuals widely known to be extremely estranged, were surprisingly conversing together, even giving off a sense of familiarity. This was an extraordinarily rare occurrence. Apart from the Ministry of War, which saw constant shifts in power, and the Ministry of Personnel, which was as unyielding as an iron bucket, everyone understood that in the four other ministries of the Imperial Secretariat, it was virtually impossible for a Minister and a Deputy Minister not to harbor hidden animosity. One found it difficult to advance further, while the other eagerly awaited a slightly higher chair that was tantalizingly close. It would truly be strange if they could genuinely bare their hearts to each other.

Some older officials, highly accustomed to court assemblies, quickly seized the chance to snatch a brief nap. After all, during court, for ordinary officials not permitted inside the main hall, resting while far from the emperor was not entirely out of the question. However, the real concern wasn't the likelihood of being caught, but the slim chance of committing a breach of etiquette, which would be disastrous. Such incidents were not without precedent. Even if the Censorate and the Directorate of Ceremonial chose to overlook minor infractions, one sprawled directly on the ground would be impossible to miss for anyone with sight. In the world of officialdom, prudence ensures a long career.

Suddenly, like a massive boulder plunging into a small lake, an unbidden clamor quickly spread towards the main gates. Even the half-asleep elderly officials were compelled to open their eyes and look.

The news, spreading with the astonishing speed of an urgent imperial dispatch, rippled through the ranks. As expected of Liyang's most learned individuals, even after passing through countless mouths, the message reached the vicinity of high-ranking officials, such as the Deputy Ministers of the Six Ministries, remaining perfectly accurate.

To everyone's surprise, this solemn stretch at the end of the imperial path was suddenly filled with a multitude of women! Most of them were young and in the prime of their beauty!

From various departments, factions, and positions, many high-ranking officials, who had initially observed the scene with detached amusement, suddenly appeared utterly mortified. Several elderly dukes and nobles, their hair streaked with white, were so enraged their lips turned purple.

Among them were the Marquis of Yongle, the Right Deputy Minister of Public Works, General Annan, a Scholar from Chongwen Pavilion, and even Wen Shouren, the Grand Academician of Wuying Hall!

Evidently, among those women, who seemed to revel in disorder, there happened to be a junior relative of this prominent dignitary.

Chen Wang stood positioned further from the main gates than his official rank would typically dictate, with Li Jifu, the top scholar from an impoverished family, standing beside him.

Imperial Uncle Yan Chiji even made his way over to stand with Kong Zhenrong of the Ministry of War, a "military ruffian" generally disliked by other departments.

Without Jin Lanting, the implied frontrunner to become the new literary leader, figures like Gao Tingshu and Wu Congxian no longer clustered together but stood in formation according to their respective ministries.

Upon hearing the incredible truth, Li Jifu's eyes glazed over slightly.

Yan Chiji and Kong Zhenrong exchanged glances, a subtle smile passing between them, and secretly bumped fists.

Most of the capital's talented and refined scholars who had closely attached themselves to Jin Lanting, viewing him as a towering patron, now wore somber expressions.

Tang Tieshuang approached the Grand Councilor and Tan Tanweng, quietly asking, "Sirs, should I have those women driven away?"

Tan Tanweng quickly waved his hand, chuckling, "Drive them away? Deputy Minister Tang, I advise against it. The Ministry of War already faces enough difficulties; don't invite more trouble for yourself, or you might incur lasting resentment. And if any mishap occurs, you'll be the one condemned."

Qi Yanglong also chuckled, "If even the palace doesn't intervene, then Minister Tang, you best not get involved. To be frank, even Tan Tanweng and I can't afford to provoke that formidable 'rouge army' of theirs."

The Grand Councilor subtly raised an eyebrow, openly gloating, "Just look at our Grand Academician Wen, widely acknowledged by both court and common folk as one who 'writes moral essays based on morality.' Even as someone directly involved, isn't he still as steady as a mountain?"

Tan Tanweng hummed in agreement, then added with embellishment, "Learn from this, Deputy Minister Tang. This is called 'remaining as serene as an old monk in meditation, regardless of the storms in the sea of officialdom.'"

Tang Tieshuang, whose mood had initially been sour, found himself genuinely laughing along after hearing the two elders' uncharacteristic banter. His irritation instantly dissipated, replaced by a sense of finding amusement amidst adversity.

Tang Tieshuang was filled with a mix of emotions. He recalled General Gu's half-jesting words just before he left the Duoyan Iron Cavalry: "Being an official in Taian City is indeed difficult, but it's not entirely without its intriguing aspects. If you get the chance, talk more with those old men; don't mistake it for flattery. If they can joke with you, Tang Tieshuang, then you've truly entered the inner circles of the capital. Otherwise, even if you become the Minister of War, no matter how intimidating your official insignia, you haven't truly crossed that threshold and will always remain an outsider whose voice doesn't carry much weight."

While the Deputy Minister of War was lost in deep thought, one or two high-ranking officials near the Grand Academician of Wuying Hall exchanged glances. Though their faces remained outwardly expressionless, a slight curve played at the corners of their lips.

Indeed, Master Wen had begun reciting scriptures to calm his mind.

At that moment, a plump man, hurriedly disembarking from a rented carriage, found himself utterly bewildered.

Had the coachman taken him to the wrong place? Why were there so many lively, youthful women? Had the capital's brothels opened up right on the imperial path?

The corpulent man, whose bulk threatened to burst his court robes, slapped himself across the face. The pain confirmed it wasn't a dream.

The plump man vigorously shook his head, managing to clear his mind somewhat, but as soon as he caught the overwhelming scent of perfume, his head began to spin again.

He bounced a few times with all his might, immensely relieved that, through this "wall of rouge," he could indeed glimpse the civil and military officials on the other side.

An elegant woman, seemingly annoyed by the plump man obstructing her view, angrily snapped, "Move aside!"

The mild-mannered plump man immediately sidestepped a few paces, only to be admonished in unison by several other women: "Move aside!"

The plump man felt utterly wronged. Just as he was nervously about to move again, another woman snapped, "Don't move, you fat oaf, stay put! Her father is only a fourth-rank petty official, just ignore her!"

The woman opposite the plump man turned and sneered, "What's wrong with my father being a fourth-rank official? He's a Censor-in-Chief! He can impeach all officials! Is your father, a mere Deputy Minister, really so impressive? I'll have my father impeach yours when I get back!"

All this talk of "your father" and "my father," and "Censor-in-Chief" and "Deputy Minister"—for the plump man, a mere powerless fifth-rank official at the Imperial Academy, it made the flesh on his cheeks tremble!

Oh, my heavens! Whether he's a Censor-in-Chief or not, a fourth-rank official is no longer a "sesame seed" official! A mere fart from one of them could be the end of me, Wang Tonglu!

Wang Tonglu wanted to weep but found no tears. "This imperial path beneath my feet is wide," he thought, "but it's no match for you young ladies who have completely filled the street."

If I delay the court session, I, a mere nobody who nearly lost even my fifth-rank official position as Libationer of the Heavenly Policy, will truly be packing my bags and being kicked out of the Imperial Academy.

Just as Wang Tonglu was about to steel himself and push through the human wall, the woman in front of him pointed a finger at his nose, startling him several steps backward. At that moment, Wang Tonglu felt like hanging himself with a single strand of hair.

Suddenly, screams pierced the air.

Wang Tonglu stared, dumbfounded, as the women before him clutched their chests, covered their faces, or tore at their hair in a frenzy. "How did they go mad even before me?" he thought. "I'm the one whose life is miserable, not you!"

Wang Tonglu plopped onto the ground, pounding his hands on the earth and muttering frantically, "It's over, it's all over! This time, even the old man won't be able to protect me. But I haven't even managed to buy a tiny house the size of a fingernail in Taian City yet, I haven't saved enough for a wife, and these two hundred catties of autumn fat are truly natural, not from overeating!"

With a thud.

Wang Tonglu looked up and saw the young woman, whose father was reportedly a Censor-in-Chief, roll her eyes and fall straight backward, with no one to catch her.

Behind her, two women of the same age clung to each other, sobbing uncontrollably.

Wang Tonglu considered very carefully and seriously: Should he just faint as well and be done with it all?

Just as Wang Tonglu was weighing his options, a hand suddenly supported him, pulling him to his feet.

Feeling as if he were floating on clouds, Wang Tonglu turned his head in a daze.

It was a handsome face, the kind he himself dreamed of seeing in the mirror every day—smiling, effortlessly charming to women, almost capable of conquering half the world with looks alone.

The man smiled, "Libationer, what a coincidence to meet you at two separate early court sessions. It must be fate."

Wang Tonglu was still in a daze. "Huh? What did you say?"

The handsome face was full of warm amusement. "Didn't you remind this prince last time to be extra careful not to overstep the bounds of etiquette?" he said. "The Censorate, the Investigating Censors of the Six Bureaus, and the eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial will all be watching."

Wang Tonglu, as if seeing a ghost in broad daylight, stumbled back several steps. "It's you!"

When it rains, it pours! This life is truly unbearable!

"The last time, at the early court assembly where all the princes gathered, it was because I, by some ill-fated impulse, chose to play the good Samaritan. I ended up walking alongside this young man towards that very gate, a mere two or three hundred steps. Afterward, I became a 'rat crossing the street, everybody shouting to beat it' at the Imperial Academy! If it hadn't been for old Master Tan Tanweng, who was then the Left Libationer and spoke a few words of fairness, my two hundred catties of autumn fat would have been long gone, trimmed down to a mere hundred!"

Wang Tonglu plopped onto the ground and suddenly burst into loud sobs. "Your Highness, I beg you!" he wailed. "You are a man of great generosity; please just consider me a silent fart and continue on your way. The court assembly wouldn't truly shine without your distinguished presence... Please, Your Highness, spare this humble official! I genuinely cannot endure any more hardship. The ancient sages warned us descendants that those reviled by a thousand people will die without illness—it's true!"

The young man, clad in the purple-gold python robes of a prince, stood before the plump official and smiled, "Libationer, do you still possess any of a scholar's integrity?"

Wang Tonglu continued to sob heartbrokenly, choking out, "Your Highness, this humble official wishes I did, but I have elders above and children below, dozens of mouths in my family to feed!"

A nearby woman, whose elder relative coincidentally held a respectable but modest official position at the Imperial Academy, spoke a few words more piercing than an immortal's flying sword: "Aren't you that pitiful 'Wang Furnace' from the Imperial Academy? My uncle seems to have mentioned you, that you're delusional, and that years ago you painstakingly saved up money to redeem a courtesan, only for her to run off with a young scholar. Don't you have no wife or children? My uncle also said you are ill-fated, like a cold stove that won't burn brightly no matter how much firewood you add."

Wang Tonglu instantly ceased his crying, falling silent and becoming quietly heartbroken.

As Wang Tonglu prudently ceased his clamor, and with such an excellent, portly 'green leaf' as a foil, the young and elegant Prince of the Northwest appeared even more like a banished immortal.

One bolder woman stepped forward, her cheeks flushed. She wrung the corner of her clothes tightly, bit her lip, and finally mustered the courage to say, "Your Highness, I... my name is Song Yulin. 'Yu' as in the 'yu' of sweet rain, 'Lin' as in the 'lin' of lush greenery..."

In truth, neither the women around her nor the continuously approaching young ladies mocked her stumble; no one was actually listening to what she said. But the girl, realizing her utter foolishness, already had tears welling in her eyes and could not utter another word.

Then everyone watched the young prince, who was even more impressive in person than in tales, as he softly smiled at her and said, "Song Yulin, 'Yu' as in 'lush,' and 'Lin' as in 'sweet rain and dew.' Song Yulin, hello. My name is Xu Fengnian, and it's a pleasure to meet you."

This gesture from the young prince, bearing a different surname, caused an unprecedented sensation.

This time, even the most reserved and demure women were on the verge of losing their minds.

The girl named Song Yulin was trembling all over. She shakily took a few steps forward, and by the moment she extended her hand, her eyes were already closed.

Xu Fengnian, caught between amusement and exasperation, hesitated for a moment. Then he extended his arm, allowing her to grasp his wrist, and jested, "Men and women should not touch intimately. If, Miss Song, this incident prevents you from marrying, you're welcome to come to our Beiliang. I'll introduce you to some of our excellent young men. They are fierce in battling the Beiliang barbarians, but they will cherish the women they love for a lifetime."

Following the sensation, an eerie silence settled over the entire crowd.

Song Yulin, only sixteen, finally opened her eyes and, still sobbing, innocently declared, "But I only want to marry you."

Xu Fengnian gently withdrew his arm, but playfully ruffled her head. "Actually," he said, "when you truly grow up, you will naturally marry a scholar. By then, the world will be at peace, and you will live genuinely peaceful days with him. And, of course, don't forget that by then, our Beiliang will also have scholars of immense learning."

None of those present could have imagined at that moment that when the Xiangfu era was a distant memory, the world would indeed achieve such profound peace that travel from Taian City to Beiliang's Qingcang City, and even to the former Southern Dynasty of Northern Mang, would be entirely unobstructed. A woman named Song Yulin did indeed find a scholar in Beiliang. Though he never succeeded in the imperial examinations and ultimately became only a humble private tutor, the couple lived in mutual respect, from their wedding day to their final years, growing old together.

On this clear morning in Taian City, even after the young prince had half-dragged, half-pulled the miserable plump official through the crowd, many women still had not fully recovered their senses.

As if resigned to his fate, the despondent Wang Tonglu hung his head, silent.

Xu Fengnian released him. "Alright, I'll go first now; you can just follow from a distance."

Wang Tonglu looked at the sharp, knife-like gazes of the officials not far away and dejectedly shook his head. "It's no use. Those officials have exceptionally keen eyes. They might not be brilliant scholars, but they excel at finding fault."

Xu Fengnian laughed, "It's not without a solution. I could kick you airborne; then you wouldn't even need to attend court, and you'd earn the reputation of having fallen from the sky. How about it, Libationer? Don't worry, I'll use a gentle touch. You have plenty of autumn fat, so it'll only hurt for half a day at most, and you certainly won't suffer any broken bones."

Wang Tonglu grimaced. "Your Highness, let's not. I already walked through the gates of hell once. At worst, I'll simply be the Libationer of Heavenly Policy for the rest of my life. After all, my salary is enough to support myself... Anyway... anyway, that girl also got married."

Xu Fengnian glanced at him askance and asked, "You spent all your worldly possessions to redeem her, only for her to marry another, and your efforts came to nothing. Do you regret it?"

Wang Tonglu sighed, then looked calmly towards the "dragon's pool and tiger's den" ahead and said, "Regret, of course, exists; I am no saint. But it's not an overwhelming regret. For a woman I loved, at the very least, knowing she's living reasonably happily is a blessing amidst misfortune. It's like how I achieved great success twice, enjoying limitless prestige, yet almost failed the imperial examination. But then I finally managed to enter the Imperial Academy, where I can read books for a lifetime without spending a penny—isn't that pretty good? It's the same principle. Old Master... yes, Tan Tanweng, he once said that a living person shouldn't be suffocated by their own urine. You won't find such words in books, but I keep them in my heart."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "Indeed, you are worthy of being called the Libationer who, according to Tan Tanweng, has 'a catty of knowledge for every catty of flesh.' You are truly more open and magnanimous than most."

Wang Tonglu blurted out, "Do you think I *want* to be this magnanimous?!"

The plump man nervously and quickly drew back his neck.

The two men, of vastly different statuses, once again walked together on the imperial path.

The plump man turned his head to glance at the women who still lingered, sighing, "Your Highness, it truly feels like a dream. This is the first time in my life I've experienced such a spectacle, and I'm certain I'll never encounter it again."

The plump man muttered internally, hoping he would indeed never encounter it again!

Xu Fengnian chuckled, "I'm much the same. This kind of situation is hardly any easier than facing tens of thousands of Beiliang's iron cavalry."

The plump man replied, his face showing disbelief, "How is that possible!"

Xu Fengnian said, "Don't disbelieve me. I used to spend vast sums of money visiting brothels, even more than most people, and looking back, it was all wasted money. But that's also when my thick skin developed. Later, after hearing so many of your Liyang people's curses, I became even more accustomed to it. Oh, by the way, did you curse me after the last court assembly?"

The honest and simple Wang Tonglu subconsciously replied, "Curses definitely happened in private..."

Wang Tonglu suddenly declared emphatically, "No, absolutely not!"

Xu Fengnian quipped, "Oh, so you do know how to adapt to the situation, after all."

Wang Tonglu muttered softly, "With my meager abilities, I'm useless against those sly old foxes."

As the two slowly walked forward, Wang Tonglu could vaguely recognize the faces and identities of the officials at the very front.

Xu Fengnian said softly, "You truly don't want to employ the 'self-injury' ploy?"

Wang Tonglu was in an internal struggle, his legs feeling increasingly heavy.

Just as Xu Fengnian was feeling a little sorry for him and was about to make the decision for him, the stout Imperial Academy official clenched his fists. "It's too late!" he declared. "I'll be resolute just this once today! I've been a coward for nearly ten years, ten whole years! I've been so spineless I couldn't even read in peace. At worst, I'll just quit this wretched official post! I'll pack my bags and go home!"

Xu Fengnian questioned, "Laozi?"

Wang Tonglu quickly corrected himself, "This humble official!"

Xu Fengnian was amused, teasing, "Believe it or not, this time is different from last. You will only be promoted and become wealthy; you won't lose your official post."

Wang Tonglu honestly replied, "No, Your Highness, please don't say that! It's better if you don't. As soon as this humble official gets a glimmer of hope, my teeth start chattering."

As Xu Fengnian drew ever closer to the main gate, the officials imperceptibly began to retreat.

Wang Tonglu muttered to himself, "Last time, I walked in a daze and didn't get to experience the feeling of 'the fox lording it over the tiger.' Today, I'm dead either way. Wang Tonglu, straighten your back! This will probably be the only moment of glory in this life; if I don't cherish it, I'll be struck by lightning!"

Then Wang Tonglu heard the prince, whom he couldn't bring himself to truly dislike, say something. Wang Tonglu was just about to exchange a few words with him to bolster his courage, and then... the prince was no longer beside him!

Wang Tonglu was instantly jolted back to reality, instinctively about to turn and flee, utterly disregarding all other dire consequences!

Just at that moment, an old man shouted, "Wang Tonglu!"

As if struck by an immortal's freezing spell, the plump man halted upon hearing that voice, twisted his neck, and saw the old man striding quickly towards him.

The old man kicked the plump official, chuckling in exasperation, "Ah, Libationer Wang, Libationer Wang, you've healed your wounds and forgotten the pain, haven't you? You once recklessly walked shoulder-to-shoulder with the prince, and now you're addicted?!"

Wang Tonglu attempted to wipe away tears, feigning misery, but finding none, he could only give a dry laugh. "Old Master," he said, "it truly wasn't that this humble official wished to approach. As soon as I disembarked from the carriage, those young ladies blocked me from entering, and then that prince pulled me in."

Tan Tanweng squinted and coldly snorted, "Oh? Why didn't you think to play dead?"

Wang Tonglu scratched his head and said, "This humble official was too preoccupied with breaking out in a cold sweat; I didn't think of that. And then, in a blink of an eye, I was already here. Later, I just thought, 'Might as well break the jar,' and let others do whatever they please."

Wang Tonglu, wanting to cry but having no tears, pleaded, "Old Master, why not 'send the Buddha all the way to the West' and save this humble official one more time?"

Tan Tanweng sneered, "Whether you are a Buddha is debatable, but if you wish to go to the Western Paradise, I presume you won't need anyone to see you off."

Wang Tonglu resigned himself to his fate.

Tan Tanweng said impatiently, "Alright, follow me."

The plump man beamed with joy.

The old man quietly asked, "What did that Xu fellow say?"

The plump man chuckled foolishly, "I was so frightened I forgot everything; I can't recall it for the moment. Once the Old Master takes this humble official inside, I'll think hard during the court session and report back to you later."

Tan Tanweng looked at him with newfound respect. "You've finally become clever!"

The plump man looked chagrined, then a sudden inspiration struck him, and he lowered his voice. "Old Master, I just remembered something! The prince seemed to say something before he left. Xu... when the Old Prince of Beiliang first walked the imperial path, no one was willing to accompany him. His first time, Xu... the prince didn't count, but the second time someone truly unafraid of death followed him, so he didn't bother with that 'not kneeling in court, entering the hall with a sword' display anymore."

Tan Tanweng's eyes sparkled with intelligence, and he burst into laughter. He quickly pulled Wang Tonglu's hand and hurried over to Qi Yanglong. Then Tan Tanweng whispered a few words to the Grand Councilor, his face bearing a peculiar expression that seemed to say, "I might not be able to defeat you, but someone else certainly can humble you."

Wang Tonglu saw the unapproachable Grand Chancellor of the current dynasty gaze at him and chuckle a few times, then clap him on the shoulder. "Wang Tonglu, you're Libationer Wang, right? You're quite something, young man!"

Wang Tonglu's shoulder slumped. He swallowed hard, his face pale, and stammered, "Junior Libationer, this humble official is a junior Libationer, a very minor Libationer!"

Qi Yanglong said with a smile, "I hear that Xu fellow, because of you, couldn't even be bothered to attend court?"

Wang Tonglu's eyes darted around, and he thumped his chest loudly, "Absolutely not!"

Damn, I'm truly quick-witted, so clever.

Wang Tonglu was even a little impressed with himself. Annoying Old Master Tan Tanweng would, at worst, mean a severe scolding or a few kicks. But if he angered this former Grand Libationer Qi, let alone two hundred catties of flesh, even two thousand catties of autumn fat wouldn't be enough to lose!

Tan Tanweng was first stunned, then stomped his foot and cursed, "That dog-cursed Wang Tonglu! An ungrateful, white-eyed wolf cub! You get your ass over to the Department of the Palace Gate today, and see if I can't sort you out!"

Wang Tonglu's mouth dropped open.

Qi Yanglong's smile was exceptionally benevolent. He gently patted the young plump official's shoulder. "Don't listen to Tan Tanweng's empty bluster; a loud voice is useless! At the minor court assembly, I will personally speak to His Majesty and request your transfer to our Imperial Secretariat. The official position isn't grand, but it's a legitimate fourth-rank. As for whether you can climb higher, that depends on your own capabilities."

The plump man looked left and right, then lowered his head and whispered, "Grand Councilor, this humble official has thought very carefully, and I still believe it would be better to go to the Department of the Palace Gate."

With his