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Chapter 155: Court Discussions (Part 1)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

During the New Year festival, in accordance with palace customs, each prince and princess was given a gift by the palace. This year's gifts were different from the norm. Firstly, the Crown Prince received the first gift. This was only natural, but it was much more generous than it had been in previous years: it was a book from the Emperor's own collection. The next was the Second Prince's gift, which was of a higher level. And the Great Prince, defending the distant border, received a bow and arrow. Most importantly, accompanying this imperial bow was an order to return to the capital at the end of the summer to accept the title of king.

The officials of the capital were confused. They were unsure what His Majesty was thinking. It appeared that the Crown Prince's position was still secure, so why summon the Great Prince back to the capital? This prince had spent the entire year on the edges of the kingdom leading troops; although he was not the son of the Emperor's first wife, he was still the eldest son. If he were to return to the capital, it was possible that the situation behind the scenes would not be entirely stable.

Among the imperial gifts was another eye-catching decree. It bestowed a gift upon Fan Xian, fifth-level academician of the Imperial College, currently hidden away in the Cang Mountains, in accordance with the customs regarding the son-in-law of the Emperor. The officials all presumed that this was for the sake of the reputation of the young lady of the Lin family.

There were plenty of dealings and visits to be made at the end of the year when the families of the officials and the gentry all sent gifts to one another. People who had known each other for a long time also visited each other, and two sets of envoys also made their way to the Cang Mountains carrying generous presents. The gifts were divided into those from the Eastern Palace - the palace of the Crown Prince - and those from the estate of the Second Prince. The target of their gift-giving was Fan Xian.

Everyone presumed that, if after the metropolitan civil service examinations, Fan Xian was constrained by his title of "Prince Consort", he would find it hard to rise through the ranks of the bureaucracy, and so His Majesty would order that he be given control over the palace treasury. So before this occurred, both the Crown Prince and the Second Prince rushed to redouble their efforts to entice him. But they did so covertly, believing that no one would discover the envoys they had dispatched bringing gifts.

"What did Number Two send?"

The Emperor of the Kingdom of Qing leaned upon a soft couch, clad in black robes, his face tranquil. The handful of wrinkles on his well-kept face were particularly apparent; his eyes peered calmly at the snowflakes outside his study, which looked like goose feathers.

Chen Pingping cleared his throat and adjusted the blanket covering his knees. "It is a poem from the previous dynasty," he said respectfully.

The Emperor smiled, but there was a hint of mockery in that smile. "It appears my second son is fond of trite and vulgar literature, but then again, so is everyone. Fan Xian writes a poem every time he opens his mouth, and has far exceeded the poets of the previous dynasty. That was an inconsiderate gift."

He continued on with his questioning. "What did the Crown Prince send?"

"A case of green jade Mahjong tiles." Chen Pingping stroked his smooth jaw. Following His Majesty's gaze, he looked out upon the blanket of snow upon the palace, squinting slightly. "Fan Xian was quite fond of them."

"Fan... Xian. It appears that he desires to be an idler, showered with riches and honor." His Majesty spoke quietly. "The Crown Prince has sent a fine gift. I do not know who in the Eastern Palace had the idea to send it." [1]

"It was most likely Xin Qiwu," said Chen Pingping, smiling. "I do not know what Fan Xian is thinking, but I do know that Princess Chen and the younger master of the Fan family both love to play mahjong."

The Emperor's eyebrow rose slightly. "And how has my dear Chen been recently?"

Chen Pingping spoke carefully. "Having Fan Xian, who knows her condition well, taking care of her, she is likely happier than she was in the palace."

"No one can truly be happy within the palace." The Emperor smiled. "Have you really decided to send Fan Xian to Northern Qi?"

Chen Pingping sat in his wheelchair. His head still uneasily lowered, he spoke respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty. As Your Majesty agrees with my suggestion, I shall make arrangements. If Fan Xian does not take care of matters for the Overwatch Council, then it will be difficult for him to truly take control of it in the future, in service of Your Majesty."

There was a sudden cold silence between the two men. The Emperor looked coldly at Chen Pingping, and after some time, he spoke quietly. "Do not forget that he is the lifeblood of the royal family. How can you take such a risk?"

There was a long silence. Chen Pingping smiled uneasily and defended his plan. "My lord, the issue is that he can never become the lifeblood of the royal family. I am your servant, and I plan to ensure that his future is secure." He paused a moment before continuing. "If he takes control of the palace treasury, he will no doubt become the object of the princes' enticement. I presume, my lord, that you do not wish to see that happen. Thus it would be better to send him away and allow him to lie low. Hiding in the Cang Mountains is not possible."

The Emperor looked coldly at the cripple before him. This was his faithful dog in the bureaucracy. But how long had it been since he had called him "my lord"?

"Very well." The Emperor slowly closed his eyes, and seemingly for a moment, the snow and wind in the palace disappeared without trace.

Chen Pingping sat calmly in his wheelchair, waiting for a long while for the Emperor to speak. "But you must be aware that Count Sinan and Prime Minister Lin will not agree to these arrangements. When they arrive to discuss courtly matters, I shall no doubt be greatly vexed by them."

"Ready the imperial carriage!" The young eunuch's clear voice reverberated from the eaves of Xingqing Hall. With a clatter, the imperial eunuchs and palace maids spilled out from the hall, carrying the Emperor's sedan chair, waiting upon His Majesty's every need, moving toward the palace hall.

The sedan chair was sealed tight; the wind and the snow that filled the air could not penetrate it. The Emperor closed his eyes, resting his chin on his hands, pondering. His palms gently touched the small burning stove. A moment later, he sighed, opened his eyes, and looked over the all-too-familiar palace. Weary of the scene, he shook his head gently.

In the main hall, eunuchs holding horsetail whisks came out, loudly proclaiming "The Emperor approaches!"

The gathered officials, who had already been waiting a long time, adjusted their garments and kneeled to the floor, calling out "Long Live His Majesty!" The Emperor glanced at the bureaucrats before approaching the Dragon Throne and sitting down. "Come forth," he said.

Hearing his command, the officials stood back up, although some of the high-ranking officials and nobles, who lived comfortable lives in the capital, had inevitably put on some weight, and so their movements were sluggish. It was a comical sight.

"Other matters have been settled. Spring is approaching, and after the Imperial Examinations, the agreement drafted with the northerners will go into effect." The Emperor seemed clearly displeased, and he leaned on one side of the Dragon Throne. "Ministers, has a suitable envoy been chosen?"

There had been rumors over the past few months that the Prime Minister's new son-in-law, Fan Xian, fifth-level Academician of the Imperial College, was to be dispatched as envoy to Northern Qi. Prime Minister Lin Ruofu had always presumed it was officials of the royal court who opposed him making mischief, so he had long been fully prepared.

Originally, there had been mutual animosity between the Lin and Fan families at court. One was a steadfast supporter of the Emperor's faction, while the other had unclear connections to the Eldest Princess. After Fan Xian had entered the capital, everything had been acutely transformed. The Prime Minister had broken his ties with the Eldest Princess, and Minister Fan had become his relative by marriage.

Assistant Minister Fan Jian of the Ministry of Revenue had stepped back somewhat. He glanced at the line of people in front of him, and found that Prime Minister Lin Ruofu was also looking at him. Their gazes met, and the two men smiled.

"I commend my report unto Your Majesty. I thought that when vice-minister Xin of Honglu Temple was negotiating previously, all matters were settled to the great benefit of the nation. He is a fine talent, and if vice-minister Xin were to be dispatched as envoy, it would be most suitable."

The first one to hurriedly reply was a disciple of Prime Minister Lin Ruofu, Ren Shao'an, a vice-minister official of Taichang Temple. Because today's court discussions were on the topic of the return visit, everyone wanted to hear his opinion, so he and Xin Qiwu, vice-minister of Honglu Temple, were both in attendance in the palace hall.

Xin Qiwu was somewhat taken aback. How could he have been recommended? Of course, he understood, the Prime Minister did not wish for his own son-in-law to be sent to an enemy country hundreds of miles from his daughter. Although there were no issues of safety, the road was long and high through the mountains. After the civil service examinations, Fan Xian would certainly be promoted; if he were immediately dispatched as envoy afterward, who knew what changes could occur in the court months later?

In truth, the Crown Prince's opinion was similar to that of the Prime Minister's. Now that there was none of the Eldest Princess's madness behind him, the Crown Prince's understanding of issues had grown. He presumed that Fan Xian would stay behind in the capital and soon take control of the palace treasury, and at the same time, he could step up his efforts to win him over. This was the correct approach, and if he could use it as a pretext to take hold of Assistant Minister Fan Jian and restore ties with the Prime Minister, that would be even better. Besides, the imperial examinations were approaching, and the Eastern Palace still relied heavily upon Fan Xian.

In light of this, it seemed that no one was going to bring up the matter of dispatching Fan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi that day in the court. After all, offending the Fan and Lin families, even if you were a senior figure or a high official, would arouse the ire of those two men, which could very well be unbearable.

So the hall was silent for a short while. It seemed that the ministers had all approved the suggestion of dispatching Xin Qiwu to Northern Qi. Even Xin Qiwu had begun to prepare for the order to go in place of Fan Xian.

The Emperor frowned. It seemed he had not expected this would happen. He set the small furnace in his hand gently upon a small table by his side, covered in yellow satin.

At that moment, someone emerged from the ranks of the ministers and spoke quietly and calmly. "I suggest that Fan Xian, academician of the Imperial College, is dispatched as envoy to Northern Qi."

The gathered officials had never expected that someone would be willing to offend the Fan and Lin families. Numerous glances centered on him, and discovered that the source of these words was Qin Heng, an attaché of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Qin Heng had a military background, and so he was not afraid of the glares of the bureaucracy. But the officials did not understand; even if you were from the Bureau of the Military Affairs, was there really any need to offend the Prime Minister and the Fan family?

Hearing this suggestion, Prime Minister Lin Ruofu's expression did not change. He was thoroughly calm. Count Sinan could not help but smile. Hindered by their connection to Fan Xian, the two old foxes naturally found it unsuitable to speak, but officials with connections to them spoke up on their behalf. After a period of discussion in the hall, one official spoke calmly.

"I do not believe it is appropriate. Young Master Fan is not yet 17, and has not the slightest experience in official affairs. Sending him as envoy to Northern Qi as a representative of imperial power to establish diplomatic connections is a great task. Although Young Master Fan is greatly talented, he is still inexperienced. I fear that he will find it difficult to shoulder such a responsibility. By contrast, vice-minister Xin is of steady bearing and is a thoroughly suitable choice. He should have no trouble in journeying to Northern Qi."

Xin Qiwu sighed, knowing that he would have to make a decision. He stepped forward from the ranks and bowed as he asked for orders. "I wish to offer my service to the nation."

[1] The "Xian" in Fan Xian's name can mean "leisure" or "idleness".

Chapter 156: Court Discussions (Part 2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

As he sat high upon his Dragon Throne, watching his ministers' performance below, an imperceptible smile formed on the Emperor's lips. He waved a hand to allow Xin Qiwu to withdraw, and spoke gently. "Gentlemen, do you all believe that Xin Qiwu is the most suitable man for the task?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." The gathered ministers bowed, their words elongated, using their whole breath to show respect.

Qin Heng, the attaché of the Bureau of Military Affairs who had suggested Fan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi, looked at the Emperor a little oddly before quickly returning his gaze. Now that all the ministers deemed Fan Xian an inappropriate choice for envoy, he reckoned that His Majesty could change his mind.

"Ministers, I do not agree with your views."

The hall was suddenly silent. Only the Emperor's gentle voice reverberated through the palace. "It is said that one cannot make use of jade without cutting it. Gentlemen, I preresume you still remember Fan Xian's graceful bearing in the hall on that day. Although he is a civilian official, he also had the bravery to slaughter his would-be assassins at Niulan Street. How can we allow such brilliance to go to waste in the quiet corridors of Taichang Temple or the Imperial College?"

Hearing this, the ministers understood that the Emperor had long held this view. But they did not understand why His Majesty insisted that Fan Xian go to Northern Qi.

The Emperor looked coldly at the gathered officials and continued. "He is inexperienced. Thus, we must provide him with experience. Fan Xian will go. This assignment shall be given to him."

If the Emperor - the Son of Heaven - said so, then it was so.

The gathered ministers did not dare speak up. Only on the faces of Fan Jian and Lin Ruofu did some trace of anxiety show. As his father and father-in-law, they were unable to hide it. This reaction was only natural. If they were to pretend to be overjoyed and praise the Emperor's brilliance, they would simply arouse the scorn of His Majesty and all those present.

"Fan Jian." The Emperor looked at the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue and frowned slightly.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Heaing his name, Fan Jian was somewhat surprised, and hurriedly stepped forward.

"I wish to give this task to your son," the Emperor said quietly. "What is your opinion?"

Fan Jian was quiet for a moment. Suddenly, he smiled. "I do not dare to have an opinion on the matter."

"Is it that you do not dare, or that you do not have one?"

"I do not dare."

"If you dared, what would your opinion be?"

The wind and snow intensified outside, while inside the hall was as warm as spring. And yet the words between their lord and his minister made it as cold as it was outside. The officials who were on good terms with Fan Jian could not help but secretly worry. How could Count Sinan answer so inappropriately?

A moment later, Fan Jian quietly responded to the Emperor. "I was separated from my son for 16 years, and we only met months ago. If we are separated again, I cannot deny that it will be difficult."

The word "difficult" echoed through the hall. Who knew who might have heard it?

The Emperor smiled. He knew that Fan Jian's response was that of his childhood friend. In truth, he did not understand the real reason why he was sending Fan Xian to Northern Qi. It seemed... that Chen Pingping was the only one who understood him.

"But it will only be a few months. Leaving in mid-spring, returning in early autumn. What about that is difficult?"

The Emperor did not await Fan Jian's response. Smiling, he waved his hand, issuing his decree. "The Minister of Revenue is old, and his health is fading. He has been convalescing for a long time. I hereby decree... that assistant minister of revenue Fan Jian is to take his place."

There was no objection from the court. Fan Jian had long hidden the truth at the Ministry of Revenue, but he had never been promoted. Embittered officials grumbled to themselves. Assistant Minister Fan had finally promoted his concubine Lady Liu to the status of wife, and the Emperor had finally promoted him to Minister. If the assistant minister had known this long ago, would he not have taken Lady Liu as his wife much sooner?

Of course, the officials all presumed that this was compensation for the Emperor's decision to send Fan Xian to Northern Qi.

Fan Jian knew that nothing more could be done about this matter. His face calm, he advanced and kowtowed to the Emperor in gratitude. The Emperor then turned to Lin Ruofu and smiled. "Prime Minister, your precious daughter is newly married. I am sending Fan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi. Do you wish to say anything?"

Prime Minister Lin Ruofu forced a smile, stepped forward, and saluted. The Emperor of the Kingdom of Qing and his Prime Minister appeared to be on good terms, but in truth, the monarch's power was imposing and none would dare provoke him. His previous benevolence toward Fan Jian was somewhat puzzling. His Majesty had asked for his opinion, and he did not dare object. He spoke calmly. "Fan Xian should indeed acquire experience."

After the cabinet meeting, the Emperor seemed to be in a slightly better mood as he climbed into his palanquin and made his way back to his palace. The officials filed out. Outside the high palace walls, they all congratulated Fan Jian on his appointment as Minister of Revenue. From now on, he would be in charge of the nation's financial affairs in name as well as in practice.

"Master Fan, from now on, our salaries are in your hands," teased Guo You, Director of the Board of Rites. "Go easy on us."

Fan Jian chuckled and shook his head. "Master Guo, you always were a joker." Fan Xian had had several run-ins with Guo Baokun, but in the royal court, there was no ill will between the two men.

As they walked out, Lin Ruofu cleared his throat. As he walked onward, the officials saluted the Prime Minister. Knowing he would have a few words to say to the father of his son-in-law, they dispersed. "Master Fan, why was His Majesty so insistent on sending Fan Xian as envoy to Northern Qi?" he asked quietly.

As they were now relatives by marriage, the two men naturally had dispensed with a lot of the formalities. Fan Jian forced a smile. "Sir, I truly do not know. Perhaps... His Majesty truly does wish to give my son experience?" Though he said it, in his heart he knew that that damned cripple was behind it somehow. But thinking about it for a moment, Fan Xian would only be away from the capital for a short while – away from the attempts of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince to curry his favor. Waiting until the Great Prince returned to the capital was perhaps not a bad choice.

Lin Ruofu seemed to think the same. But his doubts went further. It seemed that His Majesty was greatly concerned for his own "beloved son-in-law". Could it be that this was only for Chen'er's sake?

The Prime Minister shook his head and smiled at Fan Jian. "Dabao being in the mountains must be an inconvenience for you, Master Fan."

"Nonsense," said Fan Jian, smiling. "We are all family. In a month's time, when the spring flowers bloom, the diplomatic mission will depart for Northern Qi. When that happens I shall allow Wan'er to visit your manor as often as she pleases."

"Indeed. Recently, without Dabao in the manor, it has felt rather lonely." Lin Ruofu felt somewhat emotional. He sighed. "Master Fan, should you have some free time, you might as well pay me a visit."

"How could I dare disobey my Prime Minister's request?" said Fan Jian, smiling.

Again in a deserted place, again in two carriages. Again, the two people who had conspired behind Fan Xian's back for over a decade still hid inside their own carriages as they spoke.

"I said I did not wish for him to sever ties with the Overwatch Council!" Fan Jian, recently promoted to Minister of Revenue, did not sound pleased in the slightest; his tone was thoroughly cold.

In the carriage opposite, Chen Pingping hissed with quiet laughter. "Sending him to Northern Qi has nothing to do with my lousy Council."

Fan Jian could not help but draw open the curtain of his carriage. "Nothing to do with you? Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Xiao En is in your hands now. If you want to kill him, then kill him. Why bother sending him to gain a reputation? We both know what kind of person Xiao En is. If you allow him to return to Northern Qi, then killing him will be that much harder. You know that."

"I have not forgotten. You hold some of His Majesty's power in your hand. I believe some of your people are within the Overwatch Council." Chen Pingping still laughed quietly. His laugh seemed somewhat sinister.

"I fear that His Majesty would not be pleased with our private meetings. As for Xiao En, it doesn't matter whether he's dead or alive. I've put him under pressure for 20 years, and he's left me nothing. And the young Emperor of Northern Qi won't necessarily be as open-minded as our own liege when it comes to whether he dares to use the head of the spy network of the former Northern Wei Kingdom. And as for Fan Xian's departure, it truly was the Emperor's will. Master Fan, you know that if we allow your son to stay in the capital, the Crown Prince and the Second Prince will try every day to win him over. And that will likely cause us great trouble in the future."

Fan Jian was silent for a while. He knew this was a serious issue. He absolutely could not allow Fan Xian to be caught up in the royal family's struggles over their rights of inheritance. He let down the curtain from the side of the carriage and closed his eyes, leaning on the soft padding. He was still unable to relax when it came to the child he had watched over for over a decade and the connections he had built within the Overwatch Council's terrifying machinery.

Chen Pingping had seemingly guessed what he was thinking. "Since the Emperor has agreed to the plan, you can relax."

No one saw the sneer that curled the corners of Fan Jian's mouth. "Yan Bingyun was captured," he said coldly. "How is your Council coordinating with him?"

"Naturally, someone will be there to receive him."

"Don't send someone mediocre!"

Chen Pingping smiled. "Perhaps you should try harder too. You should know that Ye Zhong has always suspected that the assassins from Dongyi who entered the palace and killed the Eldest Princess's maid were from the Council. The rumor has also reached Xinyang. So it's caused me some trouble."

Fan Jian's heart skipped a beat.

In the Cang Mountains, the snow settled thick and deep. White steam arose from a hidden hot spring in the distance, and red-crowned cranes moved across the sky in an endless and directionless dance. Fan Xian pored over a letter that had arrived from his father and Wang Qinian. Then, crumpling it in his hand, he ripped it into tiny pieces and threw it out of the window.

Outside, the snowy scene was beautiful. Dabao and Fan Sizhe were making snowmen. One large and chubby, the other small and plump, they made constant noise. At times like these, Fan Sizhe could finally act like a child, and not like some embittered bookkeeper.

Fan Xian smiled. The snow was no doubt difficult to traverse, but Danbo Bookstore had still dispatched people into the mountains with their accounts. Seventh Ye the shopkeeper was truly loyal to his duties. Business at the bookstore was absolutely booming. Thanks to the publication of the Banxianzhai poetry anthology, several branches of Danbo had established a firm foothold in the capital, and in the next county over they had begun to turn a profit.

The next evening, Fan Sizhe sorted out the accounts. Seeing the net income of 23,000 taels of silver, his eyes reddened, and he urged Fan Xian to finish the last ten chapters of Story of the Stone. Fan Xian did not answer him. The poetry had stirred up so much; if anyone knew that Story of the Stone was also his doing, who knew what chaos might ensue?

The Eldest Princess had returned to Xinyang, but her influence remained at the court. The key thing was that he did not know who was on her side. Was it the Crown Prince, or was it the Second Prince who he had never once laid eyes on?

Chapter 157: Chapter 3

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Walking out of the book chamber, Fan Xian breathed in the fresh winter air of Cang Mountain. He stretched lazily and followed the sound of Mahjong and quickly found his wife playing with some other ladies. Seeing the jade-green tiles rolling around in those soft, white hands, the sight struck Fan Xian's heart.

Then he saw his sister. The second prince had given them a poetry collection from the previous dynasty, and Fan Ruoruo was immersed in reading it. This sight also struck Fan Xian's heart.

Just as he thought, being too famous wasn't a good thing. Getting fat isn't good news for a pig, and getting famous isn't good news for a person. Fan Xian smiled bitterly. Since the banquet, both the eldest and second princess didn't directly contact him, but vice-minister Xin and Li Hongcheng frequented Fan Manor. Even after hiding in the mountains, Fan Xian could not stop them from sending gifts.

On the last day of the lunar year, the group on Cang Mountain went back to the capital. In those few days, Li Hongcheng caught the news and begged to come back to Cang Mountain with Fan Xian. While Fan Xian dared not bring Crown Prince Jing, he was forced to bring along Rou Jia.

Rou Jia was the first one to notice Fan Xian blanking out in his room. The young girl asked, "Brother Xian, do you want to play cards?"

Being called "Brother Xian" reminded Fan Xian of "Brother Bao" from Dream of the Red Chamber. He waved his hand and said, "Go ahead. I shall go for a stroll."

"Stroll" came out a bit unnaturally. Catching that, Rou Jia made an adorable pout. Lin Wan'er had to intervene. "My dear, why don't you come and play a few rounds?"

"I'm going to pass." Fan Xian refused even more firmly. As he left the game table, his foot touched something fluffy. Not knowing what to make of it, he looked down and discovered a box. Inside the box slept three plump kittens on top of some straw and shredded rags. With their closed eyes and wrinkled noses, those kittens were very cute indeed.

Fan Xian gasped. "What are these kittens doing here?"

Lin Wan'er, also seeing the box, picked it up and put it on the game table. She smiled, "Auntie Teng was worried we would get lonely in the mountains, so she had someone bring us these three kittens today."

Fan Xian got closer and saw that there was a yellow kitten, a black one, and a white one. Aside from their colors, they were identical otherwise. Fan Xian laughed. "Oh you lot, you don't even know how to feed yourselves, much less keep some cats." He picked up the black one and held it in his arms. The sensation from this little ball of fur was very interesting. When he gently petted the kitten on the back of its head, it opened its eyes and lazily looked at him before falling back to sleep. It didn't seem to mind being held.

"Do they have names?"

"No. Let's go with Little Yellow, Little Black, and Little White for now."

"Oh, I like the sound of Little White."

After dinner, Fan Xian sat in the main seat. Sizhe sat next to him. The brothers received the reports from the capital. Towards the end of the year, the Fan clan owned suburbs in the capital, as well as the Danzhou estate and some other pieces of land. They all had to report their taxes. Lady Liu at Fan Manor in the capital always took care of these primary matters. Now that she had become the head wife, it was even more appropriate for her to take care of these matters. But this year, after having done so, she picked the biggest couple of expenditures and asked Mister Cui to write a letter reporting them to Young Master Fan.

Fan Xian could understand Lady Liu's intentions, so he didn't immediately react. Rather, he was even more attentive of the reports. Occasionally he would interject to ask some questions.

The third housekeeper finished his report obediently. Fan Xian closed his eyes and thought for a while. He then opened them and looked at Sizhe. "Do you think there will be any issues?"

Fan Sizhe scratched his left cheek, where there were three moles. He shook his head. "No problems, big bro. But mother always took care of those expenditures. Why is she having us look over it this year?"

Fan Xian gave a faint grin. Fan Sizhe was talented in some areas – to the point of being a little tyrant even – but in other areas he was like a blank sheet of paper.

The third housekeeper then respectfully said, "The yearly goods should have arrived in the capital before the coming year, but because of heavy snow to the east and north, they arrived some days late. Other than the fruits and grains from last time, the letters included the various meats, wild game, and floral tea sent from Danzhou. The Lady had prepared to send three more cartloads, enough to last all of you until spring."

"There's no need for that much, we could just settle for the new and interesting stuff. One cartload would be plenty." Fan Xian then added, "Grandmother's floral tea – remember to bring a lot of that." He had often spoke to Wan'er and Ruoruo about his life in Danzhou, mentioning that fragrant tea countless times.

The housekeeper smiled. "The tea already arrived today. The latter two loads are food and some small goods. Those are for in case you two young masters wish to stay until spring."

Fan Xian heard it clearly and inwardly complimented Lady Liu for her flawless caretaking. He asked the housekeeper to take a rest and receive his payment.

Spring arrived. As a fifth-ranked scholar, Fan Xian had to return to the capital to assume his position; he couldn't hide in the mountains forever. And after the examinations in the fourth month, an envoy would be required for the negotiations between two nations; a secret trade of captives must take place as well. Everything seemed to be happening all at once.

If Fan Xian were to have a say in the matter, he would have exchanged the captives last year. The soldiers and generals aside, Fan Xian was most worried about that Yan Bingyun, whom he never met but admired in secret. Being the head spy of Qing, who knew how much he suffered whilst imprisoned by an enemy nation for over half a year?

Fan Xian was willing to serve this nation, but not the Imperial court.

At night, after he finished his regular training, he dragged his fatigued body back to the mountain estate. His night clothes were dirty from snow and mud, so he put those in a bag he had prepared. He then tossed the bag aside.

While training, he had lain in the snow, alone. Under the pale moonlight, he aimed at his targets. His eyesight froze into a straight line as he stared at the rocks in the distance, black rocks protruding from the snow which had remained still for millennia. Other times, he would take aim at the rabbits dashing rapidly through the snow. All of this chipped away at his stamina. Not to mention that a few days ago, Wu Zhu gave "that" to him and disappeared. In the past few training sessions, there was no one to talk to; no one to oversee him. This feeling of loneliness reminded him of his past life.

It was all silent in the mountain estate. Only the main bedroom remained lit; that was Wan'er awaiting his return. Smiling, Fan Xian walked towards the light. It had been sunny for a while during the day, melting the snow on the stone platform. Fan Xian walked around the puddles which reflected the moonlight. He leapt over the rails. Suddenly, something alerted him and he stopped abruptly.

Presently, he stood at the other end of the hallway, right outside Ruoruo's room. His ears perked up and he frowned. He sharpened his gaze. He turned and pressed his palm against the door and released just a small amount of his zhenqi. The wooden door was forced open from the shock, and Fan Xian drifted inside like the night breeze.

On the bed, the blankets were in a mess. Ruoruo was nowhere to be seen.

Calmly, Fan Xian reached under the blankets and discovered that, other than the spot near the bed warmer, the rest had all already gone cold. Ruoruo had been gone for a long time. His heart was slightly shaken – could this be the work of some unknown enemy? He steadied himself and turned around, his hand brandishing his thin dagger. He was ready for a night raid.

"Xian!"

Outside the doorway, Fan Ruoruo was holding a lantern. Seeing her brother standing by her bed wielding a blade, she called out to him in surprise. Fan Xian, seeing her safe and sound, felt his entire body and nerves relax. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Moments later, he asked, "Where did you go? Are you alright?"

Ruoruo had covered herself with a silver-colored blanket, but under that she was only wearing her sleepwear. She looked at Fan Xian, as if not realizing what he meant. After a while she forced a smile, "You're scaring me, asking that while holding a dagger."

Fan Xian smiled in apology and put back the dagger. He walked toward her and held her shoulders, "You're the scary one. I was walking outside and it was abnormally quiet, I couldn't even hear you breathe. You had me worried to death."

"You sure can talk. You are the one running around outside in the dead of the night, and you're saying I was the one who scared you?"

"Where did you go exactly?" Fan Xian asked. Fan Ruoruo blushed and lowered her head, "Sometimes it's best if you don't ask for details."

Only now did Fan Xian realize. "There's a toilet inside. The mountain winds are harsh at night. Don't catch a cold."

"I know." Ruoruo smiled shyly and pushed him out the door, "Wan'er is still waiting for you."

Outside, Fan Xian gently rubbed his cold fingers. Judging from the temperature of her bed, she had been gone for a while; definitely not to the bathroom. She must have gone somewhere right after he left the mountain estate.

Thinking about that, Fan Xian couldn't help but treat this as a great mystery. But he forced back his desire to find out. Everyone keeps secrets, and it's important to respect their right to do so—Fan Xian had taught Ruoruo that back in the capital. Now, as her elder brother, he must lead by example.

Chapter 158: Back to the Capital

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The spring winds brought people joy and urged on the horses. Fan Xian, who had been resting on Cang Mountain for an entire winter, finally decided to leave with his family. Altogether, they packed into six carriages, and that was only for a portion of the luggage. When descending the mountains, the likes of Guo Baokun were nowhere to be seen, and there were no other unpleasant happenings. All of the female family members seemed to be drunk on spring breeze.

Fan Xian was in excellent spirits. To him, this "hibernation" in Cang Mountain was a much-needed adjustment; he made much improvements in both martial and spiritual aspects. Gazing far ahead, he could see the foot of Cang Mountain was already turning green, and the sky seemed to be full of signs of life.

The sky was currently clear, but there were some dark clouds in the distance. Strangely, behind them, blue sky and white clouds could still be seen, giving viewers a sense of a heavy dark layer.

With the clopping of horse hooves, the carriages meandered down the mountain path. Having gone around the shaded side, the group was suddenly showered by intense sunlight. Piercing through the clouds, it was almost intimidating.

Turning his eyes back down to the earth, Fan Xian smiled to his wife. "Staying in the mountains for so long, you must be pent up."

Lin Wan'er asked, "Pent up about what?" Fan Xian wasn't quite expecting that. "While the mountain is good, the sights are only snow and trees. Eventually you get tired of seeing them. Wan'er, do you miss the bustling life back in the capital?"

Lin Wan'er smiled meaningfully. "In the capital, it's either the palace or one of the various courtyards. Besides, you know I didn't live too long in the prime minister's manor. I never had many chances to go outside. While the life in the mountains is a bit dull, it's more comfortable than the sight of those palace walls." Knowing her husband cared for her very much, Wan'er felt a sense of warmth in her heart. She giggled, "Also because the mountains had you."

Before Fan Xian could react, Wan'er became shy and turned her face away.

Fan Xian laughed and thought to talk about something else. "After the spring examinations are over, I guess the Imperial court will send me on a diplomatic mission to Northern Qi."

It became quiet in the carriage. Only the sound of horses and the wheels could be heard coming in from outside. After a while, Lin Wan'er said, "Don't worry, I will be in the capital."

Fan Xian thought for a moment and said, "I think I'm bringing Wang Qinian. If anything comes up, first ask father for advice. If Fei Jie is still in the capital, you can also go to him for help. I already conveyed everything to Teng Zijing. Of course…" He smiled. "Nothing should happen."

Once they returned to the capital, they discovered the remnants of the colored lanterns and the paper scraps from firecrackers. In the streets, people walked around in new clothing, intoxicated by the festive atmosphere. Fan Xian regretted going to the mountains and missing out on the lively festival.

Arriving at the Fan manor, there was more ruckus as they had to unload everything. The couple saluted their parents and met up with relatives. Fan Xian discovered that the Fan clan was exactly as they say. While no relatives held a high position in the Imperial court, they all seem to have a place in the various government buildings and led very comfortable lives.

Days later, Fan Xian first led Wan'er back to her manor and greeted his father-in-law and bid farewell to Dabao. Then he went to visit King Jing. With no time to rest, he was treated twice by vice-minister Ren Shao'an of Honglu Temple and vice-minister Xin Qiwu of Taichang Temple; as the two were officials who had been through much with Fan Xian, he could not refuse them.

Soon, it was the second month of the lunar year. The various aspiring students already entered the capital. Those with money stayed at inns. Some lived with relatives. Those without money made do in the bookstores in the suburbs of the capital. Eventually the dormitories of the Imperial college opened to accommodate those students without a place to live.

The examination was held by the Board of Rites, and students were to take it on one of the three days of the second month: the ninth, twelfth, or the fifteenth day. When Fan Xian got there, the time was already close. But fortunately, his position didn't hold much substance; it was something His Majesty came up with. The Imperial college never had any intention to assign him anything anyway so naturally he had no need to go to lectures; it was a quiet life.

Occasionally the other students would come to his room and look at him with greedy eyes, resembling a pack of hungry wolves.

With a sharp noise, Fan Xian opened the fan in his hand and started stirring up the still-cold spring air. The students took the hint and backed off. Fan Xian smiled at them,. "Everyone, I am still young, I wouldn't take on a responsibility as important as teaching. Should you continue to bring this up, you will embarrass me."

The students took note of Fan Xian's interesting way of speech. For someone of his reputation, a fifth-ranked official at the age of seventeen, Fan Xian wasn't the type to look down on those below him. That took away some layers of intimidation. Someone joked, "Sir Fan, you were the one who mentioned style at Yishi Inn, and now you are here waving a fan."

Fan Xian laughed, "So what? I simply enjoy messing around. You shouldn't hold what I say against me."

All the examiners and related personnel had been chosen. Fan Xian's age and rank alone were enough to be somewhat intimidating, but he was still far from matching those important roles. Nevertheless, his fame as a poet had spread far and wide. Even though he swore to never compose poetry again, few took him seriously. The students always wanted to bait something out of him. Should they really obtain something, it would be an unexpected reward for them.

The "Banxianzhai Poetry Collection" was already a national bestseller, which was why all the students from outside the capital were all curious about this young man. Some were more straightforward than others, and managed to find the location of Fan manor. But upon arriving at the gate, staring at the stone lions, even they couldn't gather the courage to knock when they saw what kind of household Fan Xian came from.

Only a few days into his stay at the Imperial College, Fan Xian followed the Fourth Bureau to check up on the various students who had come to the capital to take the examination. He discovered much suffering among the poorer students. Despite the Imperial court ordering all the books stores and local temples to accommodate them, life could still be difficult for some. Some of them didn't even have enough money to buy food.

Remembering Wu Zhu's story back in Danzhou, Fan Xian was slightly shaken. He took some silver out of the book department's budget and asked the shopkeepers at Qingyu Hall to make those poor students' lives more comfortable. While not an earth-shattering act of kindness, Fan Xian still wouldn't let those students know he was their benefactor. Upon returning home, Fan Xian complained about this situation to his father, who had been promoted to Director of the Board of Rites.

Fan Jian was a tad surprised that his son cared for such matters. Other than feeling glad, he was more assured regarding Fan Xian's safety and future.

On the seventh day of the second month, two days before the examination, Fan Xian felt bored and snuck out from the Imperial College. He really couldn't put up with those students who weren't diligent yet still brought him poems. Some of those students were old enough to be his father, which made things quite awkward.

Outside the city walls, Fan Xian watched the clear water in the moat and began to relax. In fact, until recently, not very many people in the capital knew what he looked like, so it was very liberating for him to walk in the streets, especially under the red walls of the palace. He eyed those walls and the intimidating guards standing on them, "So what? I snuck in once."

The tower in the far corner belonged to the Imperial troops; it was where Yan Xiaoyi launched his arrow from.

Fan Xian withdrew his gaze and shook his head. Yan Xiaoyi had been relocated to the north as a general. If he were to go to Northern Qi, he would have to pass through Yan Xiaoyi's domain. Naturally, Fan Xian did not want to expose himself as the assassin on that night.

He arrived at Tianhe Avenue, not too far from the palace. The flowing waters to the side were still warm, while the golden characters on the building gate shined. Fan Xian pretended not to notice and passed by.

"Say, Sir Fan, to think it would be so hard for me to see you. You sure have become a celebrity in the capital."

Fan Xian turned around with an embarrassed smile. Crown Prince Jing sat on top of his horse, smiling at Fan Xian. Fan Xian saluted him. "It is an honor to see you, Prince. I only wanted some peace and quiet. It was sheer coincidence which brought me to you."

"Not coincidence." Li Hongcheng waved his horsewhip, "I chased you all the way from the Imperial College."

Fan Xian was a bit startled, but immediately regained his composure, "What is the matter, Prince?"

The prince smiled, "Today, someone wishes to invite you out for a feast."

"Who?" Fan Xian asked bluntly. Something seemed wrong.

"The Second Prince." Li Hongcheng replied.

Fan Xian shook his head in frustration. This second prince, who had never made contact before, now made his move. There was no way Fan Xian could get out of this one.

Chapter 159: The Second Prince

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

It was a secret banquet located on a pleasure boat upon the Liujing River, just as before. The outside of the pleasure boat looked exceptionally elegant, but without the gaudy romance-novel feel there had been on the other side of the river. At that moment there were neither clouds nor rain over the river. The scene was bathed in a majestic pale red light, and under the light winds, the waves softly lapped the riverbanks as if the river were breathing. Compared to the other side, where one could hear faint sounds, this pleasure boat, arranged by the Second Prince, seemed a much more serene and worldly place.

Fan Xian and Li Hongcheng, Crown Prince Jing, chatted and laughed as they walked to the riverbank. With their bodyguards leading their horses, the two men helped each other onto the boat. There was a smile on his face, but deep in his heart, he sighed. This prince seemed to be a thoroughly elegant man, but he did not know why he was not content to act as prince in peace. Why did he feel the need to provoke such affairs within the Kingdom of Qing?

On the slightly wet boards of the boat, Fan Xian's feet were just about to step onto the side of the ship when he suddenly heard the sound of a string being plucked. He did not feel somber at all. He instead felt pure-hearted and cordial as the song arose. "Leaving the clear water and green hills, I came to a cottage with a bamboo fence. The wild flowers bloom on the edges of the road. Wine is brewed in vessels in the village, and I drink to complete intoxication. Even though drunk, the mountain children do not mock us, chrysanthemums stuck randomly in my white hair."

A smile curled the corners of Fan Xian's lips, and he entered alongside Li Hongcheng. As he listened to the song, he felt more and more curious as to what kind of person this Second Prince was.

The beaded screen parted, Fan Xian saw only a young man wearing a blue-green jacket, sitting in an odd fashion upon a chair. His head was slightly tilted to one side, and his eyes were lightly closed, with a look of satisfaction on his face as he listened to the song of the woman singing in the corner.

Without having to ask, he knew that this young man was the Second Prince of the Kingdom of Qing, son of the Emperor and Imperial Consort Shu.

The Second Prince was sitting in an odd position indeed. He was in a half-squat on top of the chair, looking a lot like a peasant resting in his field. His blue-green jacket covered his legs, but more oddly, looking at his drunken expression and elegant facial features, one suddenly felt a feeling of refined tranquility, as if he had long tired of the comings and goings of this world, and was reflecting purely on the song.

Fan Xian's first thought on seeing the Second Prince was: "This man gives me a familiar feeling." His second thought was: "This man is exhausted, and so is his spirit." His third thought was: "This man's thoughts are deep." He had his belief in his ability to look a man in the eye, but it was still an awkward scene. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Li Hongcheng had long since quietly taken a seat, and Fan Xian was standing in the middle of the room, looking at the Second Prince, unsure of how to address him.

The Second Prince seemed to only care about listening to the music, and had completely forgotten about his own guests. Of course, considering his status, it was only natural that he would make Fan Xian wait.

The tune finally came to an end, and the songstress carried her guqin in her arms, bowed sincerely to the three men in the room, and quietly withdrew to the rear chamber.

And the Second Prince, squatting on his chair, still seemed to be lost in the music. He remained there for a long time. His eyes were still closed. His right hand, hanging in the air, slowly moved to the side to feel a plate of grapes left upon a small table; pinching the grape stalk between his fingers, he took a bunch. Suspending them in mid-air like a child, he raised his head, parted his lips and teeth, and unhurriedly bit at a very green grape. He chewed for a moment, and then swallowed. His throat trembled pleasurably as he swallowed; it seemed that he even found eating a grape to be a thoroughly satisfying experience.

Fan Xian was neither nervous nor angry. He watched the Second Prince with a smile on his face. His eyes were calm, but he did not let the Second Prince get away with any petty tricks. He tried to figure out from looking at him what kind of person this Second Prince was.

A long while later, the Second Prince sighed, slowly placing the grapes back onto the plate before he finally opened his eyes. He seemed to have only just discovered that the guests he had invited had arrived on the boat. There was the unavoidable flash of a smile in his eyes, and his lips curled into a slightly-embarrassed grin.

Fan Xian's heart skipped a beat. That familiar feeling was getting more and more intense.

The Second Prince calmly regarded Fan Xian, who stood before him, before he suddenly spoke. "Since you've arrived, why don't you take a seat?"

Crown Prince Li Hongcheng sat to one side, smiling as he sipped his tea, saying nothing to help Fan Xian. With a gentle smile, Fan Xian bowed and cupped his hands in salute to the Second Prince. "Since Your Highness is seated, I did not dare take a seat without making my salutations."

The Second Prince smiled as he looked at Fan Xian. "I have never welcomed you; you need not salute me."

Fan Xian laughed. "Your Highness need not welcome your servant; your servant must salute Your Highness."

The Second Prince smiled and shook his head, wiping his grape-juice-stained hand willfully on his blue-green jacket. "It is only you and I and my brother Hongcheng upon this boat. Furthermore, you are my younger sister's husband; there is no need for such talk of servants and Highnesses."

Fan Xian chuckled, cupped his hands in salute, and did not say anything more, going back to sit down next to Crown Prince Li Hongcheng. Since the Second Prince was fond of trifling with scholars' feelings – even though he wasn't very good at it – taking a seat would be fine.

In truth, the first few words the two of them exchanged had no particularly deep meaning to them, but Fan Xian felt it was still quite marvelous. Because the Second Prince spoke particularly slowly, and the rhythm of his speech every time he opened his mouth was half the speed of the average person's, any conversation with him would arouse sudden feelings in the listener. And what Fan Xian found even more interesting was that the longer he looked at the Second Prince, the more familiar he felt. But he didn't know where this feeling of familiarity came from. He was certain that it was not because of his relationsihp with Wan'er.

"This boat was built with my own money. What do you think?" The Second Prince seemed to have some fervant desire to know how Fan Xian felt about the boat. Fan Xian forced a smile, only now sizing up the decorations on the boat. He found that whether it was structure, or the green flowerpots in the corners, or the art and calligraphy hanging on the slanting walls, this pleasure boat did not seem like a pleasure boat at all, but more like a library. He couldn't help but shake his head and laugh. "Your Majesty, this pleasure boat is thoroughly peaceful. I don't know if 'pleasure' is the right word for it."

The Second Prince smiled gently, and raised his head to look him in the eye. "Silence is good."

Fan Xian suddenly felt that this conversation was slightly boring and arduous. He was about to fix Li Hongcheng with a look that suggested he was asking for help when Crown Prince Jing spoke just in time.

"I say, can the two of you not speak so wearily?" Li Hongcheng laughed as he changed the subject.

The Second Prince chuckled. "Do you see?" he said to Fan Xian. "Do not presume that the sons of the royal family are boring people. In any case, you and Wan'er are already married. We are family. We should see each other more often from now on."

Li Hongcheng interjected: "Even if it were in a princely palace, you are the Second Prince. Meetings would likely be dangerous."

The three of them all knew that some months back, Fan Xian had been attacked on Niulan Street by assassins from Northern Qi on his way to attend dinner with the Second Prince. The three men looked at each other, thinking of all the things that had happened over the past few months. They could not help but become aware of an indescribable feeling, and at once, all three began to laugh.

After their laughter had subsided, the lid had probably been taken off that incident. Fan Xian laughed bitterly. "Your Highness," he said to the Second Prince, "though you did not set up a Feast at Hongmen, it is quite terrifying when going to dinner means facing such danger." [1]

The Second Prince and Li Hongcheng were somewhat stumped by the words "Feast at Hongmen", but they did not show it on their faces. Naturally, they had never heard the tale, but hindered by their status as nobles, they did not wish to ask about it. The Second Prince smiled. "Do not call me 'Your Highness'. Just like Wan'er, you may call me 'second brother'."

Fan Xian's face did not change, but he felt somewhat vexed. Getting too familiar... seemed like it would have its problems. Seemingly having guessed that he was worried about something, the Second Prince dangled his hands in front of his knees, and smiled, still half-squatting. "There's no need to be too cautious about everything. Wan'er was the baby of the palace. Remember, now you have one more older brother, still on the western border playing with his cavalry. I am still hidden away inside the Imperial Academy, editing books. As for the Crown Prince, the third brother, it's only right you be closest to him. How can you be so distressed about having a few extra relatives?"

Fan Xian laughed. These royal relatives, of course, were a great source of troubles. "It is my great fortune," he said. "But not calling you 'Your Highness' feels rather improper to me."

The Second Prince laughed bitterly. "Ask Wan'er what she calls me when you get back home."

Their pleasantries finished, the feast began. On the table were some fresh seasonal vegetables and elaborate appetizers. Fan Xian ate happily. He had long had a plan drawn up, so after they had gotten to know each other, he was able to relax a little. At the table, the three chatted about the comings and goings of various people within the capital, and of the works of luminaries of the past; it was a pleasant conversation. Sure enough, the Second Prince was greatly influenced by Imperial Concubine Shu. In matters of literary research, he and Fan Xian echoed each other to a large extent. Sitting to the side, Li Hongcheng made a few choice interjections, but they could not avoid bringing up the topic of Count Sinan's glorious success that year. Although there were some inappropriate topics of conversation between the Second Prince and Fan Xian, the atmosphere remained convivial. Fan Xian nevertheless tried to avoid the topic and save face, speaking of stories from Danzhou and things he had learned by the wayside.

When the banquet had concluded, having each gotten something out of it, the Second Prince and Fan Xian parted happily.

The Second Prince did not see him off. All this time, still squatting on his chair, he seemed to have kept this position without moving. His shadow, still watching Fan Xian and Li Hongcheng, disappeared in the boat doorway. Finally, he sighed gently.

"Your Highness," asked one of his followers respectfully, "what are your thoughts on young Master Fan?"

The Second Prince smiled. "My sister's husband is too cautious. He has not a drop of the arrogance and violence of young men raised in the Kingdom of Qing. In truth, I am skeptical that the young master Fan, who gave such a raucous poetry recital in the palace hall, was the same one that I met today."

Having said this, he lowered his head, as was his habit, and his finger stretched out to the side to feel for a bunch of grapes. Seeing this, his follower knew that His Majesty was thinking on most important matters of state, and did not dare disturb him. He hurriedly and silently departed.

Some time later, the Second Prince slowly raised his head. There was confusion in his eyes. In truth, he had not been considering grand matters of state at all. He had been thinking about Fan Xian's phrase "Feast at Hongyan". As a child, he had read the classics together with his mother, but he still could not remember any story about a "Feast at Hongyan".

"My sister's husband is a learned man indeed. It seems I must go back to my books."

With his white teeth, the Second Prince chewed at the green grape he held in his mouth. The juice was sour and sweet.

[1] "Feast at Hongmen" is a Chinese idiom named after a historical event in 205 BC, which means to set up a banquet with the aim of murdering a guest.

Chapter 160: The Riverside Makes One Weary

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Fan Xian rode on his horse. His buttocks felt a bit uncomfortable. He couldn't shake the sense of familiarity as he thought about this Second Prince. He understood very well he should not talk too much during this first meeting. Matters regarding the palace treasury shouldn't be brought up either. This was simply a casual meeting.

Brushing aside a willow branch that was in the way, he asked Li Hongcheng, "The Second Prince just wanted to see me?"

Li Hongcheng answered, "He's one of your admirers, and it just so happens you married Princess Chen. So, as your brother-in-law, he wanted to see what this 'Poetry Sage' was like."

That caught Fan Xian off guard. Wondering if that was all, he shook his head. Moments later, he suddenly sighed, "Why does Second Prince look so familiar to me?"

Li Hongcheng had known Fan Xian for many months; he knew Fan Xian had a gentle demeanor, but that he was also resolute on the inside. Other than the occasional bouts of insanity, he put in effort to keep himself composed. Seeing him being caught off guard like this, Li Hongcheng said, "You shouldn't have met him."

Fan Xian could only smile and shake his head. While the Second Prince was handsome, he was no Sister Lin, and Fan Xian was not interested in the same sex. As to why he couldn't forget the Second Prince, Fan Xian smiled shyly.

Li Hongcheng was staring at him the whole time. After staring for a while, he said, "I know why you find Second Prince familiar."

Fan Xian opened his eyes wide. "Why?"

Li Hongcheng pretended to be disgusted. "Because, sometimes, you both make that shy and effeminate smile."

Fan Xian was startled and immediately stopped grinning. "Like I was doing just now?"

Looking at Fan Xian's flawless face, Li Hongcheng suddenly felt a chill, "Your demeanors are similar too; truly effeminate."

"Nonsense." Fan Xian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But suddenly, he had a change in thought. Perhaps… Second Prince and he were really alike in those regards. He shook his head and got rid of the question lingering in his heart. He made the same smile again to disgust Crown Prince Jing once more before waving his horsewhip and galloping back to the capital.

On the way back, he took the path along the river. The spring wind caressed his face, and willow branches were also coming at him. Fan Xian was too lazy to duck, so he moved his zhenqi to his face and literally shocked the incoming branches away. He felt lively on top of his horse.

Having distanced himself from Crown Prince Jing and his guards, Fan Xian's horse began to tire. So he slowed down and gazed across the water. He found himself having arrived at where pleasure boats gathered. Far in the distance, there was one that was gathering dust. Compared to the other boats teeming with guests, that one looked exceptionally desolate.

Fan Xian squinted as he guessed which boat that one was. That boat once had the most popular girl in the capital. To think it had fallen to such a state, Fan Xian couldn't help but remember Si Lili who was still imprisoned. After the spring examination, Qing would release her to Northern Qi. Coincidentally, since he would be the envoy this time, he didn't know what their next meeting would be like.

In the prison, he had utilized drugs, words, and psychological warfare in order to wring out an answer from that girl, and discovered that the one behind his assassination attempt was Wu Bo'an. At the time, he vowed to let her go without the intention of keeping his word, but now things had become much more complicated.

He smiled gently, in the way Li Hongcheng described. He thought he should follow through with his promise.

The sound of hurried hooves came up behind him. Li Hongcheng had also shook his guards and followed ahead. The two riders stopped at the same spot and both stared across the water. Occasionally they took a glance at that one desolate spot on the water.

Moments later, Li Hongcheng said gently, "The night you beat up Guo Baokun, you drank with me over there."

Fan Xian smiled. "We also spent a night there."

"What's this?" Li Hongcheng gave Fan Xian a look. "Feeling pity? Your status is different from mine. Never mind Si Lili in prison; even the other girls out there right now – if you go out every single night, the palace would probably send out some guards right away to give you a beating."

Fan Xian smiled sheepishly, "How could I think about that? I just felt something watching that one boat."

"Wu Bo'an is not with your father-in-law." Li Hongcheng thought Fan Xian didn't know that, so he quietly reminded him."

"I know. He's with Eldest Princess. But since she's not in the capital, I'm not going to bother thinking about all of that."

"Don't forget that Eldest Princess is on very good terms with Empress Dowager – to the point of being adored. Also… in recent years, Eldest Princess has trusted her very much." Li Hongcheng looked at Fan Xian silently, as if wanting him to take a hint.

Fan Xian smiled, "Whatever's on your mind, just say it. Second Prince and I met for the first time. Naturally there would be something that shouldn't be said. The reason I left the guards was to speak to you in private."

The two horses proceeded slowly, their heads occasionally touched in a display of affection. Li Hongcheng, parting a willow branch away from his face, said lightly, "After you return from Northern Qi, you will probably be put in charge of the palace treasury. Both the East Palace and Second Prince need you. I believe you know that."

Fan Xian smiled without saying a word and listened.

"The only reason those in the East Palace are being friendly with you now is because of Eldest Princess's absence. While I don't know why she despises you so, I do know that a thousand of you isn't worth a single sentence from her. You shouldn't trust those in the East Palace." Li Hongcheng said very seriously, "You and I are friends. I want to remind you, if there comes a day you fall – whether or not it's from public or private matters – I hope you will fall to our side."

He pointed at a single hill on the other side of the river. It was divided in two by a forest, looking like the Chinese character for two.

"What a coincidence." Fan Xian followed Li Hongcheng's finger and looked. "Waiting in line is stupid enough already, Hongcheng. I advise you not to wait in line too early."

"it's not a coincidence. That's Second Prince's estate." Li Hongcheng smiled, "My father said similar things. But there are always things one must do."

Fan Xian shook his head in disagreement. "After seeing Second Prince today, I have this strange feeling. How come he wouldn't settle for a safe position as the brother of the emperor, like how King Jing did?"

Upon hearing Fan Xian mention King Jing, Li Hongcheng's gaze turned to ice, and his usual smile disappeared. "There are no private matters in the royal family. Many things can't be avoided even if one wants to. Do you remember how the previous emperor, my grandfather, attained the throne? The two other successors to the throne were assassinated on the same day. The capital was such a bloody place back then – can you even imagine? If you were to go back to the past, would you ask the two why they wouldn't back down?"

Fan Xian felt a chill in his heart and forced a smile. "Back then, the nation had just been founded. It was unlike the current period of peace. If Second Prince is willing to give up, I don't think anything would happen in East Palace. King Jing spends his days planting flowers; isn't he quite happy? I can see that Second Prince enjoys studying. Why can't he follow your father's example?"

"You've seen His Majesty, and also Eldest Princess. My Lord Father ranks second, but he's already an old man." Li Hongcheng gave a fake smile. "Would giving up really bring a happy ending? My Lord Father always seems to have some regret. Although I don't know why, it must be due to all of the rotten things going on in the royal family."

In fact, Crown Prince Jing was wrong about why King Jing took up planting flowers.

Fan Xian frowned. "But you shouldn't follow Second Prince so closely. No matter how you look at it, he's the least likely one." Fan Xian was now close enough to Li Hongcheng to be able to speak so frankly.

Li Hongcheng blanked out a bit, then his usual smile returned to him as he knew Fan Xian was treating him as a true friend. Moved, he said, "When our parents place dessert in front of their children, we must first express that we want to have it. That way, when our parents allocate food later, they'll think of us first."

Fan Xian smiled, "So Second Prince had been showing he wants to eat."

"Correct." Li Hongcheng looked away from Fan Xian. He looked toward Cang Mountain in the far distance. "The previous emperor was fortunate to have only two sons. The current emperor is fortunate too, with only three sons. But… who knows what trouble the Eldest Prince will cause when he comes back? That's why Second Prince must make the first move, show his intentions, and obtain all the power he can."

"I still don't understand why you chose him."

"It's simple." Li Hongcheng smiled at Fan Xian's question. "I don't dislike him."

Fan Xian raised an eyebrow. He couldn't fully believe what he heard. He emotionlessly stared at Crown Prince Jing, who was smiling warmly. Fan Xian did not seek to be free from worldly affairs. He knew there were many things he could not avoid, which was why he never had the intention to in the first place.

Living as a man, "live freely" was his motto—of course, that process would most likely involve more things.

Before they entered the city, Li Hongcheng asked Fan Xian to go to certain restaurant. Naturally, Fan Xian was too lazy to oblige and bid him farewell. Before that, the prince said to him, "Second Prince had asked to see you first because, after the examination, you won't be able to escape this favor."

Fan Xian was slightly shocked as he picked up on the hidden meaning behind Li Hongcheng's words. While he didn't have enough merits to even grade the exams, he would still be hanging around the Imperial College and the Board of Rites.

Chapter 161: Examination

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

At night, Fan Xian returned to his own place. He chatted to Wan'er about meeting the Second Prince the day before greeting an unexpected guest—vice-minister Xin Qiwu, the Crown Prince's aide from the eastern palace.

Having been given a seat and some tea, Fan Xian stared at the names on the strip of paper. He knew what Crown Prince was up to, but he didn't know the reason for this visit.

"Why are you showing this to me?" Fan Xian asked while shaking his head, "Vice-minister, I'm afraid I do not have the authority to interfere with the examination in any way."

Many months ago, during the process of negotiating with Northern Qi, the two of them were head and assistant deputies. They had cooperated quite well with one another, and there were no character conflicts. Furthermore, a few days ago, they drank together. So it was no wonder that they had become more familiar with each other today. Xin Qiwu took a sip of tea and explained, "You should know what those names mean."

Of course Fan Xian knew. The examination began in two days. At this crucial time, the various government organizations were all secretly in touch with each other; their back doors were almost broken. Supposedly Guo You of the Board of Rites became annoyed by it, but he was afraid to provoke too many nobles, so he asked for Imperial permission to wait it out in the palace. The examiners practically turned the Imperial College into their own residence, and they dared not to leave.

But, just based on the current authority of the eastern palace, Crown Prince should have access to plenty of ways if he wanted to pick out some talented people from this examination. Everyone knew that Guo You was a firm supporter of the eastern palace, so it should be simple to deliver word to him. Why, then, was Fan Xian involved?

As if detecting Fan Xian's suspicion, Xin Qiwu shook his head. "Young Sir Fan, you are admired by all, but you don't seem to understand the various customs of the capital very well. The current rules regarding examinations were passed down from the previous dynasty. There weren't many changes. In order to prevent cheating, all the submitted exams are to be copied. That way the graders could not associate the exam with an individual by their handwriting. The most important part is sealing an examinee's name on the exam to discourage fraud."

Xin Qiwu continued, "Those six names on the paper – I've seen them all in person." He smiled, "They are all very talented."

Fan Xian always thought of himself as a composed person. But after Xin Qiwu left, he sat quietly in the study looking at the strip of paper. He could feel anger faintly brewing. Just two days before the exam, he found out that, along with the director, head examiner, and other officials involved, his own position was a complicated but important one.

Xin Qiwu had told him that the Imperial court had ordered him to be the proctor for this year's exam. It was a rather strange position which took full charge of the exam. The proctor held substantial authority. Most importantly, at night, before the officials of the Board of Rites and teachers from the Imperial College copied down the exams, and before the exams were changed for the next day, Fan Xian would be in charge of sealing all the examinees' names.

For those who wanted to play some tricks while taking this exam, the first thing they would have to take care of would be the sealing of the name. Even if one were to bribe some official from the Board of Rites beforehand, the official couldn't do much if the name seal wasn't tampered with.

Over the years, cheating had already become a skilled trade among the various officials of Qing. Each of them contributed the best they could to provide some assumptions for reference. As for the famous Fan Xian miraculously taking the position of mediator, no one was sure what this little Poetry Sage would do.

That was why Crown Prince sent Xin Qiwu directly to Fan Manor. He didn't think Fan Xian would betray him; he believed that the eastern palace had rewarded him enough, and now it was time for Fan Xian to show his appreciation.

Fan Xian looked at the paper strip again. With a grin, he ripped it to pieces. He then walked slowly back to his bedroom. He was a bit thankful toward Second Prince. Had Second Prince been planning the same thing, Fan Xian would be caught in the middle and it would be a difficult situation.

But he was still underestimating the complexity of it all.

Lin Wan'er sat beside the table, looking at him with a smile. She then gently knocked on the table. The sheets of white paper next to her finger gave off a chill. Fan Xian sighed and slapped his forehead. "Don't tell me names are written on there."

Li Wan'er chuckled. She stood up and walked over to him, holding onto his arm. She said, "You are smart indeed."

Fan Xian smiled uneasily, "I thought I'd live a life of leisure just before setting off for Northern Qi. Who knew…?" He finally couldn't hold back anymore. "Who appointed me to this position?"

"My father, and yours." Lin Wan'er looked at him painfully, "While not a head examiner, it's still a crucial position. Based on how it's always been, the students that pass this year's exam and become officials have to call you 'teacher' when they see you."

Fan Xian was still not pleased. "Don't you think our fathers are being too enthusiastic? I'm only seventeen. Do I have to be saluted by a bunch of pedantic scholars?"

Li Wan'er giggled. "With your current fame in the capital, there were even people who wanted you to oversee the exam. Your age was the only thing that made the palace reject the idea. You were close to becoming the youngest overseer in centuries."

Fan Xian said, "That's not a good thing. I regret getting drunk at the banquet." As hindsight always comes afterwards, Fan Xian received the papers from his wife and discovered that he was familiar with the names. All of them were famous students in the capital, some of which he had met in person. They were truly talented. Only after seeing this did Fan Xian settle down a bit.

"Since I'm the proctor, how could they still so brazenly come to the manor?" Fan Xian sighed. "The papers are evidence of their fraud. With this on my hand, they're being way too bold."

"Old customs." Lin Wan'er had resided in the palace for many years, so naturally she knew about such things. She explained, "Your position is an important one, yes, but due to its low rank, it wasn't treated too seriously. On the contrary, if someone from the palace really wanted to cultivate some close aides, the proctors could only pretend nothing happened. But this year, with you taking the position, people are wary of your methods. Bbut they aren't familiar with your disposition. That's why they thought to visit you to show their manners and respect. Of course, those that couldn't get a hold of you would adhere to the old ways; they wouldn't dare to bother you."

"In that case, I just have to follow the old customs?" Fan Xian frowned slightly; he really wasn't expecting Qing's political circles to be so corrupt. As he thought about those poor students living in the libraries in the suburbs, he became unsettled.

"You do what you want." Lin Wan'er was no ordinary person. She said lightly, "Even if none of them wanted to curry favor with you, who would dare rile you?"

Fan Xian smiled bitterly. "You're a princess. Naturally you're not afraid of anyone," he thought to himself. "While my background isn't insignificant, your prince brother wants to use this chance to see my attitude." He asked, "Who sent these papers?" There were only three papers; not as many as he thought.

Lin Wan'er was a bit embarrassed. "In truth, I started all this."

Fan Xian was surprised, "How so?"

"I went to the palace today to visit Ning the Talented. You know I always played with her when I was little. That's one paper." She frowned, "As for the other two, one was sent by Mister Yuan on father's orders, and the other was sent by Sir Qin from the Bureau of Military Affairs."

Fan Xian shook his head. Ning the Talented represented the Great Prince who was still stationed far west. And since the prime minister made him a proctor, making use of one's son-in-law seemed natural. As for Sir Qin of the Bureau of Military Affairs, while Fan Xian had never met him, he knew Sir Qin was a senior official who commanded much authority when it came to the military. That raised a question: instead of educating some fine generals, what was he doing interfering with civil officials?

"Never mind those trivial matters. Since the whole country is a crow, there's no need for me to pretend to be a crane," Fan Xian said emotionlessly as he shredded all the papers. He gently embraced his wife and walked toward the front of the manor.

It was the ninth day of the second month; the first day of the grand examination. All scholars had to show what they learned in the past ten years to the Imperial court. And this examination was the standard for whether or not their knowledge was deemed useful. Like a school of fish, the scholars excitedly walked towards the second bureau of the Board of Rites where the exam was taking place. They looked like they were squeezing into a tiny fish trap.

The previous night, Fan Xian had already met up with the other officials who were in charge of the examination. They somewhat nervously arranged the procedure and assumed their positions the next day.

An official's chair was placed by the front gate. Next to it were the various officials from the capital's office and Overwatch Council. Fan Xian sat firmly on that chair, coldly eyeing the students passing by.

The students that walked by, regardless of age, all saluted Fan Xian. Those that knew him saluted out of respect for his name; those that didn't know him saluted out of respect for his position. The officials next to Fan Xian had already spread out a cotton curtain and were preparing to carry out body searches to look for prohibited items.

Fan Xian took a sip of tea. He shook his head as he looked at those students who led difficult lives carrying around blankets, rations, and chamber pots like they were some laborers from a village. Suddenly, he saw one student who just got checked and was about to enter the examination area. Fan Xian rolled his eyes and shouted, "Wait!"

Chapter 162: Being an Examiner is Really an Interesting Job

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

There was a silence outside the courtyard, and countless nervous glances turned to young Master Fan, unsure what this student's problem was. Fan Xian looked at the student carrying his crumpled bedclothes. "Have you checked?" he suddenly asked.

The functionary from the Ministry of Rites and the official from the Overwatch Council both gave their reports at the same time: "We've checked; there's nothing out of the ordinary."

The student raised his head and puffed out his chest as he looked at Fan Xian. His face was calm, with not a trace of nerves. Fan Xian frowned slightly. "Have you taken his clothes off and checked?"

"Yes, sir." The official to his side looked at the doorway, increasingly filling up with people, and could not help but feel slightly nervous. In a little while, the order would come from the palace. If things remained at this speed, the exam candidates would have difficulty getting in.

At that moment, Fan Xian suddenly stood up from the seat of the imperial tutor, walked over to the calm-faced student, looked him up and down, and laughed. He moved in close to his ear, saying, "There's a problem with your clothes."

He spoke very quietly so that only student could hear. It was a chilly early February, but the student had sweat on his brow! The student's name was Yang Wanli, and he had absolutely no idea how young Master Fan, poetic wunderkind, had discovered his secret. Under Fan Xian's calm gaze, he couldn't help but feel his was beginning to crack.

Fan Xian suddenly smiled. "Go in. If I expose you, you'll have spent ten years in vain. But remember, don't let me find out you've been using your clothes over these two days in the exam hall."

Yang Wanli was pleasantly surprised, but he couldn't stop his lingering fear. "Thank you for your help, Master," he said sullenly. He feared that the young intermediary, his eyes like a hawk, could go back on his promise. He took up his ragged bedclothing, and covering up his face, rushed into the exam hall. He was determined that over these two days, he would not open up his clothing to look at the inside layer.

Soon after, Fan Xian cautioned a number of poor students who tried in vain to smuggle in crib sheets. Gradually, the functionaries gathered around him understood what was going on. Although they were very surprised by his sharp eyes and judgment, they had a faint worry that there would not be enough time.

Fan Xian seemed to have some feelings about his first time acting as an official. He smiled - as he carefully scrutinized the entrants, he made sure not to let a single one slip by. He confiscated many pairs of shoes, caps, and wads of paper hidden behind writing brushes, which began to form a small mountain by the entrance. By now, the students lined up finally realized that this year's intermediary was strict, and nothing like the poetic immortal they had imagined. He would not understand their attempts at cheating, and so they quickly retreated, throwing all of the things they carried on them into a ditch behind the exam hall.

That day, the person taking the lead for the Overwatch Council was someone who Fan Xian knew - Mu Tie, who was currently temporary head of the First Bureau. Hearing his subordinate's report, he quickly came by. Seeing Fan Xian, he spoke uneasily. "Master, time is getting on; you must be quicker."

When the functionaries from the Ministry of Rites and the Overwatch Council saw his deference to Fan Xian, they couldn't help but feel shocked. They wondered how someone from the Overwatch Council could be so polite to a junior official; then they considered Fan Xian's family background - a Prime Minister, a government minister, and a princess - and so they didn't dare speak out of turn, instead simply and quietly listening to Fan Xian's reply.

Fan Xian fished out the pocket watch from the ship, looked at it, and found that time was indeed getting on. He shook his head, stopped his interesting little game, and stood up. "I, the official Fan Xian, presume that all of you have heard," he announced to the hundreds of waiting students. "As everyone has seen, in order to avoid any further delays to the timing of the exam, we will not be performing any more body searches today."

The entrants were overjoyed.

Fan Xian smiled as he looked around. "Throw all of the things you are carrying into this bamboo basket, and there will be no punishment. If you are discovered over these two days of exams, I shall have you taken away and thrown in front of the royal palace, where all will know what your education is really worth."

The entrants were shocked. Finally, they understood that a ruthless spirit hid behind the smile of this poetic genius, Master Fan. So they all entered, walking in a well-behaved line. As for the students who still wished to risk it, that was a matter for another time. With this allowance, things sped up, and a little while later, the entrance to the exam hall quickly returned to peace and quiet, with only a number of stinky shoes on the floor and countless scraps of paper and some distraught-looking faces. The official from the Ministry of Rites hurriedly got the staff to clear things up in order to greet the order from the palace to begin the examinations and sort out the burning of incense. Things got awfully busy.

Everyone was bustling about and thinking about how Master Fan was certainly different from the other officials of the Kingdom of Qing. If he didn't allow people to bring things in, then fine. But what had happened today, where he searched for them, then still allowed students to enter the exams? If it had been carried out by another examiner, then perhaps the imperial censor would have been angered. But everyone knew that as Fan Xian had dared to do it, he didn't fear such things.

Fan Xian sat in the seat of the imperial tutor and smiled as he looked at the busy scene, chatting with Mu Tie Mu. Mu Tie had assumed that his promotion had been thanks to Fan Xian, so he was particularly friendly toward him. "Thank you for your hard work, Master Fan. Once the imperial order arrives and the exams are declared to have started, then you may return home to rest. The business of watching over the exams naturally is the work of subordinates."

Fan Xian looked at him and smiled. "As you are here, wait a moment and take a stroll around the exam hall. We cannot have a moment's rest."

"Sir, it is your first time taking on this task, so perhaps you are unaware that once they have entered the exam hall, there is no need to worry too much." Mu Tie laughed as he spoke, presuming that the young noble was unclear on the unwritten rules of the imperial exams.

Fan Xian suddenly spoke in a quiet voice. "This journey to Northern Qi - Master Mu, are you going?"

Mu Tie was taken aback. He had not prepared his thoughts on the matter, and unthinkingly responded, "The Council is still arranging things, but it should be a matter for the Fourth Bureau, so I cannot intervene." He suddenly looked elsewhere, thinking about how young Master Fan wrote poetry but did not love it; instead he seemed prefer business. Presuming he had figured something out, he smiled. "Master Fan, are you preparing goods to take over the northern border? I can help you arrange that."

Fan Xian chucked. "It's no big deal. I was just asking." A subordinate came by to serve them tea, and Fan Xian offered Mu Tie a cup. "Master Fan, you seem to be in a good mood today," said Mu Tie curiously.

The corners of Fan Xian's mouth curled, and an indescribable expression flashed in his eyes; it was like a smile, but not a smile. It was unclear what he was thinking, and some time later, he finally spoke quietly. "In truth, I always presumed that reading without having to take an exam was one of life's greatest pleasures. After I came to the capital, the thing I feared most was the imperial exams. To my surprise, a year later, I have become the intermediary; I can read books without having to take the exam, and I can relax while watching my peers go through gruelling exams. This really is life's greatest pleasure."

The imperial edict arrived, the fireworks were launched, the incense table was removed, the doors to the hall were closed, and the curtains were opened on the first imperial exams of the year in the Kingdom of Qing. Hearing the heavy doors of the hall close behind him made Fan Xian suddenly recall the gaokao exams of his previous life. He had never taken them. At the time, he presumed that it was the biggest regret of his life. Now, in this world, he had no need to take part in the imperial exams. Although he was relieved, he still felt some slight regret. [1]

"Master, I have come to pay my respects." The cold early spring wind filled the room upon their entry. Fan Xian bowed toward Guo Youzhi, head of the Ministry of Rites, who sat in the middle of the hall. "The door of the exam hall has closed, and may not be opened again without your order. Scholars from all the counties and prefectures of the kingdom have their examination papers in hand and have begun to compose their essays. Master Mu of the Overwatch Council and an official from the Ministry of Rites are in charge of ensuring candidates have access to food and drink; all should be taken care of."

Guo Youzhi looked at the handsome young face of this fifth-level official and could not help but feel a frown forming. Soon after, he smiled. "Young Master Fan, thank you for your hard work." He called to the examiners. "According to the old customs, you are to go and inspect in a little while."

The two examiners had recently graduated from imperial exams. One was a scholar of the Imperial College, the other was an academic of the Tongwen Pavilion. They had both been selected by the Emperor himself. Hearing Minister Guo's orders, they nodded. "Yes, Master."

Guo You turned to Fan Xian. "Young Master Fan, your task is to keep order in the exam hall and help them supervise; patrol the exam hall every now and then and look for any sign of movement at the corner gate. Be ready to accept an imperial decree at any time."

Following Minister Guo's words, all kinds of officials within the exam hall returned to their duties. A solemn and nervous atmosphere quietly filled every corner of the exam hall. Everyone knew that after his various northern campaigns, the current Emperor had shifted the center of his rule onto the bureaucracy. So every year, each set of exams seemed particularly important. A few years ago, there had even been a precedent of a high-ranking official making undercover inspections, so no one dared be careless.

And this time, as far as those diligent students were concerned, this was an even more crucial juncture in life. If they could get through it smoothly, then it was their path to prosperity. If they couldn't, then they could only return home to the countryside in sadness to prepare for the next year's exams. The back-and-forth whittled away the youths of countless people, and there were some proud and stubborn ones who, if they failed the exams, lingered around the capital, not willing to return to the countryside. Some of them fell into decay, some loitered, and some disappeared without a trace.

This was a ceremony of the nation; this was a place of life and death for scholars.

Fan Xian stood on the stone platform, closed his eyes, and listened to the sound of scribbling coming from all corners. He thought of the Crown Prince's scrap of paper, and a strange smile floated across his face.

[1] The gaokao exams are grueling examinations taken by high school students in China wishing to enter university.