Chapter 85#

Regardless of the reason for Liu Kangren’s escape, there was no forgiveness for a fugitive. Since the matter had reached this point, Emperor Shunyuan had to make his stance clear.

He first cast a sidelong glance at the Duke of Liu, who had just recovered from a serious illness, then steeled his heart again and said in a deep voice, “Although Liu Kangren was used by Lou Changsui, he ultimately violated the laws of the Great Qian. Now, compounding his guilt by fleeing the consequences—”

Just as he was about to deliver the final verdict determining Liu Kangren’s fate, Wen Zhuo suddenly crouched down, clutching his abdomen, as if unable to bear some discomfort.

Emperor Shunyuan paused mid-sentence, his gaze immediately shifting over.

Seeing this, an official from the Court of State Ceremonial jumped with alarm: “Director Wen, in the grand hall you—”

“Silence.” Emperor Shunyuan raised a hand to stop the official’s reproach, leaning forward with concern. “Wen Wanshan, what’s wrong?”

Wen Zhuo slowly straightened up, bracing his knees, and raised a hand to wipe a thin sheen of sweat that wasn’t really there from his brow. His voice was hoarse, as if strained by pain: “Your Majesty knows that your servant has long suffered from a cold ailment. On this journey back to the capital from Mianzhou, the weather turned abruptly cold, triggering an old malady. The pain in my body is unbearable, and I lost my composure for a moment. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness for my lapse.”

Emperor Shunyuan furrowed his brow, then turned to give Liu Quan a meaningful look.

Liu Quan understood immediately and quickly retreated to the side of the hall, where he quietly instructed a young eunuch.

Taking advantage of this pause, Mo Shu quietly squeezed up beside Xue Chongnian and gave him a gentle nudge.

Xue Chongnian had been intimidated by Emperor Shunyuan’s anger earlier and had hesitated to act rashly. Just as he watched the emperor about to pass judgment on Liu Kangren, he grew anxious as an ant on a hot pan, yet dared not interrupt His Majesty’s will abruptly.

Fortunately, thanks to Wen Zhuo’s interruption, Emperor Shunyuan had stopped himself.

Xue Chongnian no longer dared to delay. He stepped forward with large strides and declared in a loud voice: “Your Majesty, Liu Kangren did not flee. He has returned to the capital to confess his crimes!”

These words struck like a thunderbolt, leaving even Emperor Shunyuan raising his head, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes. “What did you say?”

Xue Chongnian spoke rapidly, words spilling out like a string of beads: “To answer Your Majesty, Liu Kangren fled Mianzhou and returned to the capital, then came directly to the Court of Judicial Review, which I oversee, and surrendered himself. Seeing his earnest expression, as if he harbored some great injustice, I allowed him to state his case. He detailed to me the long-standing abuses in Mianzhou and the full story of how Lou Changsui framed him, and implored me to relay his words to Your Majesty. He said he was willing to appear in person in this Golden Throne Hall, to remove his cap and kowtow, and confess his faults openly. He further said that he has a strategy to resolve the scourge of locust plagues and the crisis of famine for future generations, and he wishes, while still bearing the guilt of his crimes, to present this method for eliminating locusts and relieving famine, so as to share Your Majesty’s burdens!”

The entire court erupted into clamor.

The Duke of Liu, disregarding all etiquette, leaned on his walking stick and stumbled hastily over to Xue Chongnian, his cheeks trembling with emotion, his voice quavering: “Lord Xue, are you saying my son… my son is currently at the Court of Judicial Review? Is he… is he well?”

Xue Chongnian stood with head bowed, not daring to engage in casual conversation with the duke, and quietly awaited Emperor Shunyuan’s decree.

The Duke of Liu abruptly threw away his walking stick, turned, and fell to his knees, tears streaming down his aged face: “Your old servant implores Your Majesty to see Kangren! Even if Kangren has erred, there were reasons for it. My family has been loyal and upright for generations; we would never dare to do anything that would shame Your Majesty or betray the Great Qian empire!”

Emperor Shunyuan watched the Duke of Liu’s tearful joy and thought to himself: Could it be that Liu Kangren did not even return home, but went directly to the Court of Judicial Review to surrender?

Such an act greatly pleased Emperor Shunyuan.

If Liu Kangren had hidden himself in his residence and let Liu Yuanqing exert pressure on the sovereign, Emperor Shunyuan would never have tolerated him.

This sudden turn of events left Gong Zhiyuan and Luo Mingpu utterly bewildered.

Gong Zhiyuan wondered: Having escaped with his life, why would he return to the capital seeking death? How could the emperor so easily overturn a previous decree?

Luo Mingpu wondered: Why surrender to the Court of Judicial Review instead of the Ministry of Justice? If he had come to the Ministry of Justice, he could have informed the Sixth Prince earlier.

Shen Chen and Xie Langyang, however, were not so superficial in their thinking. Both of them simultaneously fixed their gaze on Wen Zhuo.

At that moment, a young eunuch had fetched a hand warmer and silently handed it to Wen Zhuo. Wen Zhuo thanked His Majesty for the favor and tucked the warmer into his sleeve, pressing it against his abdomen.

With the warmer, Wen Zhuo’s expression immediately returned to normal. Ignoring the vigilant stares of Shen Chen and Xie Langyang, he said calmly to Emperor Shunyuan: “Your Majesty, your servant visited Mianzhou and witnessed with his own eyes the desolation after the locust plague: thousands of miles without a single grain, and the fields strewn with starving corpses. Your servant is greatly curious as to what good strategy Liu Kangren might have.”

Emperor Shunyuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Summon Liu Kangren to the hall.”

Xue Chongnian felt a heavy stone lifted from his heart and let out a long breath. “Your servant obeys!”

He turned and cast a grateful glance at Mo Shu. Had it not been for Mo Shu coming to play chess with him the previous night and suggesting that he pass this hot potato to the emperor, he would not have known how to handle the situation.

Mo Shu responded with a faint smile.

Soon, the sound of iron chains dragging across the ground came from outside the hall. Everyone looked up to see Liu Kangren, dressed in prison garb, approaching from afar, stumbling into the hall with faltering steps.

“Your guilty servant Liu Kangren kowtows to Your Majesty!” He prostrated himself, his forehead striking heavily against the golden bricks, his voice hoarse and parched.

The once formidable military officer was now so thin that a gust of wind might blow him over. His shoulder blades jutted out sharply, their shape rugged, testifying to the hardship and torment he had endured along the way.

Seeing his son in such a state, the Duke of Liu’s eyes instantly filled with tears, and he muttered to himself: “My son…”

Emperor Shunyuan spoke slowly, his voice devoid of emotion: “Liu Kangren, since you had already escaped, why did you return to the capital?”

Liu Kangren kept his forehead pressed to the ground, but his tone was exceptionally resolute: “Your servant knows he is guilty. How could he flee alone and implicate his parents? Moreover, your servant cannot bear to see Your Majesty deceived by treacherous sycophants, nor can he bear to see the people of Mianzhou continue to suffer. Therefore, at the risk of his life, he must present the truth of Mianzhou to Your Majesty. Furthermore, your servant has a strategy in mind that cannot be accomplished by one person alone. Under heaven, only Your Majesty can save the people from dire straits. Hence, your servant dares to beseech Your Majesty on behalf of the people to extend a helping hand!”

Emperor Shunyuan was mildly stirred. What strategy could be such that only I can implement it?

He said calmly: “The truth of Mianzhou has already been uncovered by the Fifth Prince and Director Wen. I know now that Lou Changsui was the culprit. But you stole official grain and defied the law—this crime is still unforgivable. I would like to hear what this strategy of yours actually is.”

“Yes.” Liu Kangren seemed to have already put life and death out of mind. Even though Emperor Shunyuan had not relented, his tone remained calm. “Your servant has served as a chiliarch in Mianzhou for ten years. During these ten years, I often patrolled the coast and had many dealings with foreign merchants. I happened to learn that in the Western Seas, there is a crop called the potato. Its tubers enlarge and can be eaten as food. When roasted over fire, they become soft as sand and fragrant. The best part is that it is not picky about soil—it can grow even in barren land—and it yields very high quantities. It is also resistant to storage. Most importantly, the edible parts are all buried underground. Even if a locust plague occurs and the leaves are completely eaten, the underground tubers remain intact. If this crop can be introduced to the Great Qian and planted extensively, perhaps the people may never again suffer from famine.”

“Could there truly be such a miraculous thing?”

“If it is as he says, wouldn’t the grain shortage in our Great Qian be easily resolved!”

Murmurs spread across the hall. The assembled officials were all astonished by the marvel of the potato. Only Shen Chen was agitated and restless.

If such a thing existed and Liu Kangren introduced it to the Great Qian, wouldn’t that be a great accomplishment?

Such an achievement would be enough to offset all of Liu Kangren’s crimes in Mianzhou.

But if Liu Kangren survived, the Duke of Liu would never turn to his side. Wouldn’t all his schemes come to naught?

Yet he had just spoken in Liu Kangren’s favor; he could not now suddenly switch sides. How utterly frustrating—he had only paved the way for others!

Emperor Shunyuan frowned slightly, also intrigued. “Are you speaking the truth?”

Liu Kangren continued: “Your servant dares not deceive Your Majesty! Over these ten years, I have worked hard to learn Western languages and now know eight of them, allowing me to communicate freely with local merchants. I implore Your Majesty to grant me a treasure ship and permit me to sail to the Western Seas to bring the potato back to the Great Qian, to plant it throughout the empire. If I can exchange it for the livelihood of the people, I will have no regrets even if I die!”

Emperor Shunyuan remained silent, lost in thought.

Sailing to the Western Seas and introducing foreign crops was no small matter. If something went wrong, or if Liu Kangren deceived him, then he, as emperor, would become a laughingstock for generations to come.

Jun Dingyuan detected Emperor Shunyuan’s hesitation. He glanced at Liu Kangren, who was kneeling humbly on the ground, then stiffened his jade-like face and stepped forward: “Your Majesty, when your servant was about to retire to his hometown with his old bones, he vaguely heard of this thing from a Southern Screen captive.”

“Oh?” Emperor Shunyuan’s heart tightened, and he nearly leaned over his desk. “Are you saying that Southern Screen also knows of this thing?”

The defeat at the southern border had always been a sore point for Emperor Shunyuan, so the mention of Southern Screen provoked a strong reaction.

Jun Dingyuan nodded: “What that captive said was roughly the same as Liu Kangren’s account. He claimed that the ruler of Southern Screen also intended to introduce this crop, but because their land is hot all year round, the climate differs from the Western Seas, making it possibly unsuitable for cultivation. Our Great Qian, with its vast territory and diverse climates, is likely more suitable for this crop. This might also be one of the reasons why Southern Screen repeatedly covets our Great Qian’s territory.”

“Is that so! Why didn’t you tell me earlier!” Emperor Shunyuan stood up abruptly in agitation.

Jun Dingyuan knelt on one knee: “That captive further said that if the crop is dried and ground into powder, it can be stored for a long time. In times of famine, mixing the powder with water—just a little—can satisfy hunger. Your servant thought their talk sounded too fantastic and dismissed it as deceptive words, so he never took it seriously.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Langyang understood completely. The so-called potato, the Southern Screen captive—all of it was a smokescreen devised by Wen Zhuo. All this elaborate effort was merely to save Liu Kangren’s life.

Alas, the emperor, provoked by the mention of Southern Screen, had indeed become hot-headed and fallen into Wen Zhuo’s trap.

Judging by this momentum, Liu Kangren would be allowed to atone for his crimes through merit.

Sure enough, Emperor Shunyuan took a deep breath, staring at Liu Kangren prostrate on the ground: “Fine! Liu Kangren, since the Sixth Prince has interceded on your behalf and General Jun has also testified for you, I will give you one more chance! I grant you permission to sail to the Western Seas and exchange for this crop. If, as you say, it can relieve the famine afflicting our Great Qian’s people, then your crimes today will be pardoned entirely. But if you dare to deceive me, or if this endeavor fails, I will make sure your head is brought before me!”

“Your servant… obeys!” Liu Kangren kowtowed heavily, two scalding tears splashing onto the ground.

Shen Chen felt bitter inside: “… …”

Wen Zhuo, hidden in his wide sleeve, lifted the hand warmer and gently bounced it. The bottom of the small copper warmer tapped against the white porcelain chess piece in his palm, producing a faint, crisp sound.

When the sound died away, he suddenly raised his head, putting on a moved expression: “Your Majesty’s heart is with the people, Your Majesty’s wisdom shines like a torch, and Your Majesty’s decisiveness embodies the spirit of a true king. Your servant is fortunate to live in this prosperous age and cannot express enough admiration. I only wish Your Majesty to protect the common people for thousands upon thousands of generations!”

The assembled officials echoed in unison, their voices rising and falling: “We praise Your Majesty for Your wisdom! Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”

Emperor Shunyuan’s face, gloomy all morning, finally showed a trace of a smile.

This day’s court session extended all the way to noon. By the time court was dismissed, Wen Zhuo’s legs were numb from standing.

He saw Emperor Shunyuan rise and Liu Quan step forward to support him, so he took two quick steps forward, handing the hand warmer back to the young eunuch beside him as he looked up: “Your servant still has one matter he does not understand and would like to consult Your Majesty.”

Emperor Shunyuan’s eyelids drooped: “I am tired. Talk about it another day.”

Wen Zhuo pressed on: “Your servant has just one sentence.”

Emperor Shunyuan turned his head away, waved his hand, and moved his legs twice as fast: “Another day, another day.”

Wen Zhuo had no choice but to stop and look toward Liu Quan.

But this time, Liu Quan did not meet his gaze. He focused solely on supporting Emperor Shunyuan, and soon they disappeared through the rear hall.

Wen Zhuo stood still, his eyes narrowing slightly. After a long moment, he turned and walked slowly toward the exit.

As the bright yellow curtain was lifted, the biting cold from outside rushed in. Wen Zhuo quickly wrapped his fox-fur coat tighter and tucked his neck into his collar.

Just as he was about to brave the wind and step out, Xie Langyang, with his bruised and swollen face, darted forward and blocked his path.

Ignoring his disheveled appearance, Xie Langyang lowered his voice, asking with indignation: “There is no such thing as a potato, is there? Do you know this is a crime of deceiving the sovereign? Even if it buys a few months of life, it cannot turn back the course of fate!”

He was certain he had never heard of the potato in his previous life. Liu Kangren’s expedition would be in vain, merely a waste of the state’s treasury.

Wen Zhuo gazed at him calmly and said flatly: “Lord Xie, you are in my way.”

“Wen Wanshan, how dare you!” Xie Langyang’s brows knotted tightly, veins bulging, and he abruptly reached out to grab Wen Zhuo’s wrist.

Shen Zhi, standing near the hall entrance, had almost descended the stone steps. He turned his head, and his gaze instantly darkened.

Through the layers of figures, he stared expressionlessly at Xie Langyang’s hand.

Wen Zhuo shook his arm slightly, and the white chess piece slipped from between his fingers, fell onto the marble steps with a soft “clink,” and then rolled away into the vastness of the sky.

Xie Langyang froze and unconsciously loosened his grip.

Wen Zhuo only lazily glanced in the direction where the piece had vanished, then curled his lips at Xie Langyang in a cold, dismissive smirk, deigning not to explain.

Gu Weizhi happened to be nearby. He strode over forcefully, squeezing himself between Xie Langyang and Wen Zhuo, and slapped Xie Langyang’s hand away.

“Hiss—” Xie Langyang gasped in pain, frowning unhappily at Gu Weizhi.

But Gu Weizhi looked perfectly at ease: “Just now in the hall, thanks to Vice Director Xie stepping forward and absorbing Lord Tang’s wrath, I was able to withdraw unscathed!”

Xie Langyang’s face turned green with rage: “You!”

Jun Dingyuan and Mo Shu happened to pass by as well. Without a word, Jun Dingyuan shoved Xie Langyang aside, saying in an unceremonious tone: “Vice Director Xie, don’t block the doorway.”

Xie Langyang stumbled, his chest aching from the push.

Mo Shu, on the other hand, was more genial, leaving a remark as he passed: “Huaishen is a military man and somewhat heavy-handed. Vice Director, please don’t take offense.”

Xue Chongnian was chasing after Mo Shu to thank him when he noticed the commotion. He stopped, scanned the ground, and asked: “Director Wen, I saw you drop something just now. How has it vanished so quickly?”

Wen Zhuo offered a faint smile, speaking with implication: “Lord Xue, it was just a useless thing. I no longer want it.”

Hearing this, a wave of bitterness surged in Xie Langyang’s heart.

Xue Chongnian laughed: “Oh, that’s good then. Director Wen has returned from the southern inspection, a hard journey. I imagine His Majesty was too excited today to remember the reward. In a few days, there will surely be a generous bestowal.”

As Wen Zhuo walked, he said: “Working for the people—what talk of rewards?”

Xie Langyang, separated from Wen Zhuo by the crowd, could no longer approach him. He could only stand there, with mixed emotions, watching Wen Zhuo disappear from sight.

Wen Zhuo did not head to the Hanlin Academy after leaving the Hall of Martial Valor. Shen Zhi led him to the Princes’ Residence.

Wen Zhuo whispered an admonition: “Your Highness, we cannot be so intimate in the palace.”

“Just this once won’t hurt.” Shen Zhi took his hand and led him through the Front Star Gate, around the large screen wall, and all the way into his own chambers.

Yu Ji Tuan Dui

Once inside, Shen Zhi ordered the attendants to bring a hand warmer, hot water, and bean powder soap.

Before Wen Zhuo could react, Shen Zhi pressed him down onto an embroidered stool cushioned with soft padding.

Wen Zhuo was at a loss, his eyes following Shen Zhi’s movements.

Shen Zhi bent down and personally rolled up his sleeves, revealing a slender, pale forearm. As light filtered through the windowpanes, the skin of his palm gleamed like mountain jade.

Just as Wen Zhuo was about to ask, a copper basin was brought in, steaming hot water rising with white vapor.

Shen Zhi took his left hand and slowly immersed it in the hot water. Wen Zhuo instinctively tried to pull back, but Shen Zhi held him down.

“Wanshan, don’t pull away.”

Shen Zhi rubbed some fine bean powder between his palms, warmed them, and then massaged Wen Zhuo’s fingers from the base all the way up to his forearm.

He paid particular attention to the spot where Xie Langyang had grabbed him, rubbing and scrubbing it repeatedly, then rinsing it with water.

Wen Zhuo felt quite comfortable in the warmth, but still asked in confusion: “What is Your Highness doing?”

Shen Zhi lowered his head, his thick lashes falling, then picked up a soft linen cloth, placed it in his palm, and meticulously dried the water droplets from Wen Zhuo’s wrist. Afterward, he pressed the moistened wrist to his nose and inhaled the delicate fragrance.

“Who does Xie Langyang think he is? If he has something to say, he should say it—why does he keep grabbing your hand?”

Shen Zhi was displeased. Had it not been for the many eyes and ears in the palace, he would never have allowed Xie Langyang to harass Wen Zhuo time and again.

Wen Zhuo’s heart trembled, and he instinctively averted his gaze: “Each of us serves a different master. We are inherently irreconcilable. A few minor quarrels are nothing—why should Your Highness care about such trivial matters?”

Shen Zhi was still stroking the small, protruding bone of Wen Zhuo’s wrist. He felt that he was being somewhat unreasonable himself and let out a soft chuckle: “I don’t know why, but I find him particularly offensive.”

Wen Zhuo’s fingertips suddenly curled inward.

Shen Zhi immediately sensed his tension. He paused his movements, raised an eyebrow, and said with a playful tone: “What’s wrong, Teacher?”

Wen Zhuo darted his eyes between the warm stove burning in the corner of the hall and the cracks in the floor tiles. After a long moment, thinking quickly, he extended his right hand as well: “Aren’t you going to wash this one too, Your Highness?”