After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Selfishness

 

“Oh, don’t bother worrying about that.” The emperor casually dismissed Zhou Xun, looking impatient. “Rainfall is the business of the atmosphere, not the gods. Those censors are just bored and nitpicking like a nanny, harping on trivial matters to criticize me. Worst-case scenario, I’ll write an entire ‘Dragon King is Awesome, Dragon King Returns’ essay and burn it at the altar.”

 

Hearing this, Zhou Xun could only smile helplessly and say, “As you wish.”

 

After the emperor had caused a stir in the side hall, he eventually left. Zhou Xun lay down with his clothes still on, staring at the sky, unable to sleep.

 

He couldn’t deny that when he made that suggestion earlier, it wasn’t out of a desire to help ease the emperor’s concerns. It was because he heard the words “Zhou Cai.” Upon hearing that name, a small, competitive thought arose in him—to write something himself and compete with Zhou Cai.

 

However, when the emperor rejected him, he didn’t feel disappointed. On the contrary, after a brief moment of awkwardness, what he felt more strongly was relief and gratitude.

 

This selfishness wasn’t exploitative, and the emperor didn’t notice it, but it still made Zhou Xun feel ashamed. The emperor treated him with sincerity, and he should reciprocate in kind.

 

Moreover…

 

His earlier suggestion had been born of a moment’s impulsiveness. If scrutinized, Zhou Xun wasn’t even sure his writing skills could surpass Zhou Cai’s.

 

Zhou Cai had three more years of experience than him. Meanwhile, Zhou Xun had lost three full years to a dark period in his past.

 

Zhou Cai standing by the emperor’s side, writing documents on his behalf, was rightful and deserved. But Zhou Xun… was merely an accident.

 

Zhou Xun thought to himself, he still lacked confidence deep down.

 

The next day at the bookstore, while writing an essay assigned by Old Shen, Zhou Xun’s thoughts kept drifting back to the matter. By the time he snapped out of it, Old Shen had already taken the essay from under his hands, read it from start to finish, and remarked, “A complete lack of quality, utterly distracted. If you don’t want to write, then just man the shop.”

 

Zhou Xun flushed with embarrassment. He moved to the counter and folded the essay, slipping it into a book he had been reading. Just then, the sound of the wind chime at the door rang.

 

“Zhou Gongzi!”

 

Yan Jia had come to return a book. Despite his recent family troubles, which had dampened his spirits, his mood brightened inexplicably upon seeing Zhou Xun sitting at the counter. Even his tone became lively.

 

Zhou Xun looked up at Yan Jia, who gazed back at him, brimming with enthusiasm. Zhou Xun accepted the book and Yan Jia’s thanks, casually asking about his sister’s situation.

 

At the mention of his sister, Yan Jia’s expression grew somber. But as family matters were not appropriate to share with an outsider like Zhou Xun, and his father’s actions were not for a son to criticize, he simply shook his head.

 

Zhou Xun didn’t mind and smiled lightly. “The shop recently got some new poetry collections. Feel free to browse and see if there’s anything your sister might like.”

 

After Yan Jia left, Zhou Xun stayed at the counter until the hour of Shen. As he was about to leave, he remembered the essay Old Shen had criticized and went to retrieve it from the pile of books at the counter, only to find it missing.

 

…Could someone have accidentally taken it?

 

It wasn’t uncommon for customers to inadvertently grab an extra book while checking out. But…

 

“A complete lack of quality, utterly distracted!”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

For some reason, the thought of this essay possibly being seen by someone else gave him a sense of impending public embarrassment.

 

But Zhou Xun’s strength lay in his ability to pretend something didn’t exist as long as he didn’t witness it happening firsthand. Compared to the fate of that essay, he was more concerned about the emperor’s matters.

 

Today, as the East Hua Gate was under repair, Zhou Xun entered the palace through a different route, only to find himself in a courtyard where many ministers were filing out one after another.

 

It was then that he realized he had inadvertently wandered near the Grand Secretariat. The emperor must have been meeting with officials there. Zhou Xun turned to take another route, but a familiar voice called out from behind him, “Is that Zhou Gongzi standing there?”

 

Turning around, Zhou Xun saw that the speaker was Grand Chancellor Lu. Seeing Zhou Xun, Lu spoke a few words to the people beside him before walking over. “It’s been a while, Zhou Gongzi. The weather is pleasant today. Shall we take a stroll in the palace and chat?”

 

Zhou Xun stood still, his gaze briefly drifting to the middle-aged man in the Minister of Rites’ robes who had just been speaking with Lu. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and replied, “Alright.”

 

Lu and the young man headed toward the imperial gardens. Minister Yan, watching from a distance, turned to an official beside him and asked, “Do you recognize that young man? Chancellor Lu seems to be familiar with him.”

 

The official had been staring at Zhou Xun in a daze and only snapped out of it when Yan asked. “How peculiar. That young man’s bearing and demeanor are exceedingly rare in the capital. Even if he were to stand beside the heir of the Chengde Marquisate, he wouldn’t pale in comparison. But which family does he belong to? If I’d met him before, I wouldn’t have no impression of him.”

 

After pondering for a moment, he added, “Perhaps he’s from another province and recently arrived in the capital.”

 

“The young man is indeed striking. If Chancellor Lu knows him, he must be a talented individual,” Yan nodded. He had only asked in passing and wasn’t particularly concerned.

 

The official continued, “Minister Yan, you were truly righteous earlier. In this capital, only you would dare to speak up for the Zhou family’s plight.”

 

“It’s just a matter of principle.” Yan shook his head, snorting coldly. “A person cannot stand without integrity. My Yan family is not the kind to curry favor with the powerful or betray our word! Besides, the Zhou family did nothing wrong. The emperor’s actions against them must be the result of some villain’s scheming. If only we could unearth this scoundrel and expose them for all to see!”

 

Yan truly believed this. Returning to the Yan residence in his carriage, he found the servants stiff with fear, not daring to make a sound in his presence.

 

Yan was used to the reverence his household showed him and took pride in the strict discipline that set his home apart from others. Yet today, he had no mind to appreciate it, striding hurriedly to the rear courtyard.

 

When he reached his daughter’s quarters, he asked the trembling housekeeper, “How is my daughter today?”

 

The housekeeper hesitated. “Miss… Miss is…”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“She’s still alive.”

 

Yan: …

 

He stared at the small courtyard for a long time before sighing heavily and walking away.

 

It was said that children are the debt we owe, and Yan thought to himself that this saying was all too true.

 

His daughter had begged him for the match with Zhou Cai, only to cry and refuse it later. Yet no matter how much he asked her why, she couldn’t give a reason.

 

In Yan’s view, what was wrong with Zhou Cai? He was talented, virtuous, refined, and courteous. Even disregarding family status, Yan felt his daughter was the one marrying above her station!

 

Even with the Zhou family’s recent fall from imperial favor, Yan firmly believed it was due to some villainous slander. Many officials close to Zhou Cai and the Fifth Prince thought the same.

 

But the emperor, deaf and stubborn, allowed this talentless, scheming scoundrel to undermine good men. Yan swore that if he could uncover this villain, he would expose their deceit and restore justice!

 

Before he knew it, he arrived at his son’s study. Finding it empty, Yan’s anger flared.

 

Though Yan Jia was his son, his intellect didn’t measure up. It was one thing to be less gifted, but with the spring exams less than a year away, how could he be out socializing instead of studying?

 

Yan was misjudging his son. That afternoon, Yan Jia had been studying diligently, apart from a short trip to the bookstore. But such misunderstandings were common—parents rarely noticed their children’s efforts but seized upon the rare moments of idleness as proof of neglect.

 

—If the emperor were here, he might quip, “Ah, Murphy’s Law… or perhaps Mozi and Han Fei’s law!”

 

In fact, Lord Yan was busy with affairs every day and hadn’t personally tutored his son’s studies for years. If he ever inquired, it was only in passing. Yet, like many parents, he believed that even a few scolding words from him constituted responsibility. And if the child didn’t perform well, even if it was due to lack of ability, it was still seen as betraying his painstaking efforts.

 

With great anger, Lord Yan stormed toward his son’s desk. Initially planning to sit and wait to reprimand Yan Jia upon his return, his eyes were instead drawn to an essay lying on the desk.

 

When Yan Jia hurried back in a panic, he saw his father standing there. Expecting to be scolded, he was surprised to see a rare expression of paternal warmth in Lord Yan’s gaze as he held a piece of paper.

 

Yan Jia thought he must be hallucinating.

 

As he fumbled for words, Lord Yan spoke first, saying, “You’ve shown considerable improvement recently.”

 

Yan Jia was shocked.

 

Lord Yan was always cautious with his words, especially with his children, and rarely offered praise. For him to say “improvement” now—it was unprecedented!

 

Overwhelmed by rare happiness, Yan Jia began to suspect either his father had gone mad, or he himself had, or perhaps both. Lord Yan continued, “Though the phrasing could be more polished, the essay’s ideas and style are exceptional. Its insights are incisive—have you practiced calligraphy recently? Even the handwriting carries meaning. As the saying goes, a person’s character is reflected in their writing. This truly embodies the Yan family’s integrity, exuding the demeanor of a gentleman. You’ve made significant progress.”

 

Yan Jia: …

 

He stared at the piece of paper, swallowing hard. As Lord Yan seemed ready to continue with more compliments, Yan Jia stammered, “This… this isn’t my work…”

 

“Then whose is it?” Lord Yan’s expression shifted from astonishment to awkwardness.

 

Yan Jia knew his father despised him associating with unworthy people but had no choice but to explain the situation hesitantly. He emphasized Zhou Xun’s kindness in helping him find books for his sister. After listening, Lord Yan furrowed his brows. Just as Yan Jia braced for a scolding, he instead heard his father say, “It seems this individual, though impoverished and working to make a living, possesses a literary style imbued with integrity. He is no ordinary person.”

 

Yan Jia was overjoyed. For some reason, Zhou Xun being acknowledged pleased him even more than if he himself had been praised. Lord Yan added, “He reminds me of my younger self, evoking a sense of camaraderie despite our age difference. You should maintain contact with such a person.”

 

Before Yan Jia could respond, Lord Yan added, “However, stay away from schemers! Such individuals may present a charming façade but are treacherous at heart. Do you know why your brother-in-law has fallen to his current state? It’s those schemers’ doing! As the saying goes, you may know a person’s face but not their heart. Your brother-in-law is suffering now, but you must not follow others in kicking him while he’s down!”

 

“But…”

 

But it seems my sister’s relationship with Zhou Cai isn’t so simple…

 

“There’s no ‘but.’ Many officials are now speaking out for your brother-in-law. Even as family, we must not allow a younger brother’s affairs to tarnish the reputation of such a pillar of society.”

 

Although Lord Yan spoke this way, he couldn’t help but wonder why someone as virtuous as Zhou Cai would have such a violent, problematic younger brother.

 

They were family, weren’t they? How could they be so vastly different?

 

Unbeknownst to him, a seed of doubt had already taken root in his heart. He also vaguely remembered Zhou Cai mentioning that his current predicament was tied to another brother, who seemed to be the very person scheming against him.

 

If that brother ever came to the Yan household, Lord Yan was determined to have him thrown out immediately.

 

“As for your good friend,” Lord Yan said as he left, “you should invite him over to the house as a guest. Building relationships with people like him—wise and noble—is always the right choice.”

 

At that moment, Zhou Xun, walking along the palace path, had no idea that Lord Yan considered him both impoverished and a kindred spirit, someone to be invited in and potentially thrown out in the same breath.

 

Instead, he heard Prime Minister Lu say to him, “Young Master Zhou, you are truly exceptional. Have you considered securing a good position to serve the country?”

 

Zhou Xun hesitated before hearing Lu continue, “I happen to have an opportunity for an honorary post in Cangzhou. Though it’s a bit far from the capital, it doesn’t require formal qualifications. With a few years of service and accomplishments, you could eventually return to the capital—a chance to hone your skills…”

 

Every word Lu said seemed considerate, as if it were for Zhou Xun’s benefit. For someone else, this might have felt like a golden opportunity falling into their lap.

 

But Zhou Xun quickly sensed the detachment behind Lu’s seemingly kind words.

 

He replied, “It’s indeed a good opportunity, but I’ve been planning to earn my qualifications in the capital.”

 

“Qualifications are just a means to an end. Taking the imperial examination is risky. Out of countless candidates, few succeed,” Lu said, his tone meaningful. “Since it’s all for the sake of a career, why not avoid unnecessary risks?”

 

Zhou Xun caught the implied criticism in his words.

 

Lu had once praised him, but now his attitude had clearly shifted. Zhou Xun was no fool.

 

But he also wasn’t the type to endure things silently.

 

Especially when he sensed Lu’s skepticism and insinuations.

 

Zhou Xun smiled faintly. “I appreciate your concern for my future, Prime Minister. But isn’t this more about wanting me to leave the capital?”

 

Lu hadn’t expected Zhou Xun to address the matter so directly. Silently cursing the arrogance of youth, he heard Zhou Xun add, “You needn’t be so roundabout. After all, His Majesty’s intentions are His Majesty’s alone—they have nothing to do with me.”

 

Lu hesitated before saying, “I’ve heard a bit about your connection to the Zhou family.”

 

Zhou Xun froze.

 

“You’re Zhou Cai’s younger brother—not legitimate, but born of a concubine. There’s been some conflict and misunderstanding between you and the Zhou family. When the Zhou family came to the capital, they abandoned you, leaving you to fend for yourself. Later, by chance, you saved the Emperor while he was traveling incognito. Grateful, the Emperor took you in when you were severely injured. You’ve been recovering in the palace ever since. Out of admiration for your ambitions, the Emperor allowed you to study in the palace.”

 

It was only then that Zhou Xun realized how His Majesty had altered his story in the eyes of outsiders.

 

With the ties to the prince’s household effectively severed, Zhou Xun felt a sense of relief. Thinking of how much effort the Emperor had put into shielding him, he also felt a warm gratitude.

 

He recalled the sacrificial text and the officials’ criticisms, suddenly realizing what he needed to do.

 

What he needed to do for His Majesty.

 

“The Emperor’s intentions do indeed reflect a love of talent,” Lu said, his voice taking on a pointed tone. “But this so-called shortcut is not without its price.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I know you’re a concubine’s son,” Lu said. “It’s natural for someone of your background to value fame and fortune above all else. Having some selfish desires is understandable—”

 

Author’s Note: Thank you all for your responses! I’ll send red packets for comments on Chapter 84 next month (reminder noted)!

 

At this point:

 

Lu Prime Minister: You’re just a concubine’s son. Caring about fame and fortune is normal—your vision is limited.

 

(Later)

 

Lu Prime Minister: (roasting in the Emperor’s chamber)

 

Does this pacing feel better? Was today’s update long enough?