The Blood Crown - Chapter 113

Yan Zilian was swift and decisive in his actions. The next day, he directed the censors to draft a memorial, digging up the old case from years ago where Wen Weixi had filled winter clothes with low-quality cotton. He accused the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel of shielding Wen Weixi, pointing out that such significant corruption was not reflected in their assessments.

The court erupted in another round of heated debates. However, since the case had been concluded years ago and Wen Weixi had already been punished, there was no argument against it. Yet, such a major dereliction of duty, with the Ministry of War assessing and the Ministry of Personnel reviewing, led to Wen Weixi being promoted instead of demoted. Naturally, the eunuch faction and Wen Yuchi’s party found themselves at a loss for words.

Seizing this point, Yan Zilian had the censors impeach Wen Yuchi for favoritism and dereliction of duty, and also impeach the Ministry of Personnel for unfair assessments.

The bickering caused by the capital review plan was unending, and this time it was the most intense, as it finally implicated the minister.

With irrefutable evidence, Wen Weixi had to be re-evaluated. However, since he had already been demoted and fined for the winter clothes case years ago, he would not be further punished. Yet, several officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel were implicated, becoming scapegoats for Wen Yuchi.

Then, less than a month later, news suddenly spread that Wen Yuchi’s elderly father had died at home. His father, bedridden for years, passed away peacefully in his sleep, showing no signs of foul play. However, this was a huge blow to the Wen family.

Confucius said, “Those who are filial and fraternal but love to oppose their superiors are rare; those who do not oppose their superiors but love to create chaos have never existed.” Therefore, filial piety entails loyalty to the ruler. Since the Han Dynasty, filial piety has been used to govern the world. For thousands of years, officials have returned home to mourn their parents for three years, a practice known as “dingyou.”

If the country faces a national crisis and the official holds a crucial position, the emperor can “grant a pardon,” allowing the official to remain in their post. Loyalty to the emperor is also filial piety.

However, the nation was at peace, and Wen Yuchi’s reputation had suffered due to his son. Even if Emperor Zhaowu wanted to grant a pardon, it would be unreasonable in both sentiment and principle.

Wen Yuchi had no choice but to submit a memorial requesting to return home immediately. Imperial Concubine Wen and Xie Zhongren could only watch helplessly as Wen Yuchi left the capital.

With Wen Yuchi gone, the position of the Minister of War was temporarily filled by the Left Deputy Minister of War. However, this person had just been implicated in Wen Weixi’s case and was suspected of dereliction of duty. Although Xie Zhongren strongly recommended him, the appointment of officials was the responsibility of the Ministry of Personnel, followed by discussion in the Cabinet, and finally decided by the emperor. This led to another round of disputes, and in the end, the Cabinet, with solid reasoning, prevailed, appointing Feng Chuang, the Right Deputy Minister, to temporarily act as the Minister of War.

This victory was complete, not only driving Wen Yuchi away but also placing officials from the aristocratic faction into key positions.

Yan Sikong, upon hearing the news, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. With Wen Yuchi gone, Imperial Concubine Wen lost her strongest support and couldn’t stir up trouble for a while. If they could endure until the Second Prince left the capital to take up his post, the succession would be almost guaranteed. However, they still couldn’t be careless with Xie Zhongren. This eunuch had caused the death of Chen Mu’s concubine mother and was determined not to let Chen Mu ascend the throne smoothly.

After this turmoil, the Ministry of Personnel was on edge, and the eunuch faction became much more cautious. They too had to undergo evaluations, and if another case like Wen Weixi’s emerged, they might not protect themselves.

The capital review plan continued as scheduled. The court calmed down a lot, and more officials from the aristocratic faction were removed compared to the eunuch faction. However, Wen Yuchi’s departure had the weight of several officials, making it a mutually damaging situation. As time passed, the evaluation of local officials and those below the third rank was nearing completion, and it was soon time to evaluate officials of the second rank and above.

—

Throughout the summer, Yan Sikong was incredibly busy, frequently hearing bad news but also good news. For instance, Shen Hexuan’s evaluation result was “competent,” and he was about to be promoted. Yan Zilian decided to promote him to Censorate Inspector in Hanzhong.

The typical career path for a scholar-official involved spending several years in the Hanlin Academy, then being posted to the provinces for experience, before returning to the capital for further promotions based on their performance. Yan Sikong was a rare exception, rising rapidly, while Shen Hexuan’s progress was steady. Yan Zilian was looking out for him by assigning him to inspect the prosperous region of Hanzhong.

Additionally, Yan Sikong felt that Yan Zilian intended to send Shen Hexuan away, fearing that if the struggle for the throne resumed, Shen Hexuan would recklessly throw himself into the fray.

Shen Hexuan’s departure meant he wouldn’t return to the capital for at least two years, possibly five. Due to his personality, he had few friends in the court. Before leaving, Yan Sikong invited him for a drink, and he unusually accepted.

Shen Hexuan didn’t want to go to a tavern. Yan Sikong knew he was genuinely poor and wouldn’t accept an invitation even if Yan offered to pay. So, Yan suggested bringing two bottles of good wine to Shen Hexuan’s home, to which Shen Hexuan gladly agreed.

Shen Hexuan’s residence was even older than Yan Sikong’s and far from the imperial city. He had to walk nearly an hour to the office every day. Despite this, he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Yan Sikong visited as agreed, and seeing Shen Hexuan in high spirits, he knew that someone who rarely showed his emotions was genuinely happy today.

“Congratulations, Brother Shen,” Yan Sikong cupped his hands in salute. “When you return from inspecting Hanzhong, you’ll surely be promoted.”

Shen Hexuan returned the salute, smiling. “Whether I’m promoted or not, the emperor will judge. What pleases me most is being able to do some real work. Brother, please come in.”

The two entered the residence, where a gentle and elegant woman stood under the eaves holding a baby. She bowed slightly to Yan Sikong from a distance. “Lord Yan.”

“Lady, you’re too kind,” Yan Sikong quickly bowed and walked up to tease Shen Hexuan’s son.

They entered the house with laughter and conversation. Yan Sikong learned that Shen Hexuan and his wife were childhood sweethearts. She was not only gentle and virtuous but also a well-known local talent. Their harmonious and loving relationship was enviable.

His wife personally prepared a meal, and the two chatted about court matters over drinks, their relationship becoming much closer.

Discussing the events since spring, Shen Hexuan sighed. “The court seems calm, but undercurrents are surging. First, the Crown Prince was imprisoned, and Consort Hui committed suicide. Then came the capital review plan, which dismissed a large number of officials. Only half the year has passed, and who knows what more waves will arise in the remaining half.”

“The general trend indicates more storms ahead. Fortunately, Minister Wen has returned home to mourn, and the Crown Prince might have a few stable years.”

“Let’s hope so,” Shen Hexuan poured Yan Sikong a drink. “After I leave the capital, the Crown Prince will rely entirely on you. He lost his mother at a young age and relies heavily on others. Now, you are the one he trusts the most.”

Yan Sikong nodded, “Brother Shen, rest assured. When you return to the capital, and on the day the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you and I will both assist the Crown Prince and revive the glory of our great Sheng Kingdom.”

“Agreed!”

The two drank heartily.

Shen Hexuan’s tolerance for alcohol was evidently low, and his face turned rosy. His refined and handsome appearance now carried a bit of the charm of a poetic scholar, prompting Yan Sikong to tease him a little.

Shen Hexuan shook his head with a smile, “I know I’m rigid and reserved, unlike you, who are elegant and charming.”

Yan Sikong smiled meaningfully, “Brother Shen’s straightforwardness is a double-edged sword.”

“‘Straightforwardness,’” Shen Hexuan repeated the words carefully. “‘Straightforwardness,’ hahaha, those are good words. You’re right, I am like a steep cliff.” He raised his cup and declared boldly, “Standing tall with no desires, that is true integrity.”

Yan Sikong raised his cup and said sincerely, “Brother Shen truly has excellent integrity. I can never hope to match it in my lifetime. Here’s to your integrity.” With that, he drained his cup in one go.

Shen Hexuan looked at Yan Sikong with a smile, “Do you know, at first, I didn’t like you at all.”

Yan Sikong nodded with a smile.

“Even now, I don’t agree with some of your words and actions, but you are indeed a rare talent. You are more suited for officialdom than I am. Even our teacher has begun to rely on you, and the Crown Prince trusts and depends on you greatly.”

“Brother Shen flatters me,” Yan Sikong said with a faint smile. “I am but a commoner, having rolled through this world for a long time and figured out some ways to survive. Brother Shen, however, is extraordinary and will surely achieve great deeds.”

“Hahaha, look at you, such a silver tongue,” Shen Hexuan, having drunk quite a bit, had become more lively and pointed at Yan Sikong, saying, “This is what I disliked about you initially.”

Yan Sikong laughed along, “Everyone likes this about me, except Brother Shen. Doesn’t that just prove how extraordinary you are?”

Shen Hexuan laughed so hard he almost fell over, and stammered, “You’re right. Everyone does like this about you. Among so many scholars, in the end, you’re my only friend…” His tone turned a bit melancholic towards the end.

“To be considered a friend by you, Brother Shen, is an honor for me,” Yan Sikong said, pouring more wine for both of them.

Shen Hexuan waved his hand, “You now hold a much higher rank than I do, and you are the future son-in-law, yet you remain so humble. I admire you for that.”

Yan Sikong smiled, “I genuinely respect you, Brother Shen.”

A touch of emotion flickered in Shen Hexuan’s slightly tipsy eyes.

They continued drinking and chatting, and the conversation eventually turned to Shen Hexuan’s son. Yan Sikong remarked, “Brother Shen, you leaving now will make things hard for your wife and son. It will be tough on her.”

Shen Hexuan’s eyes showed a hint of reluctance, “To be honest, my biggest concern is leaving them behind. At home, we only have Old Pu. My salary is meager, and even after serving as an official for years, I still feel I’m failing them.”

“If Brother Shen doesn’t mind, I will take care of your wife and son on your behalf. From now on, if your wife and son encounter any difficulties, I will treat them as my own family and do my utmost to help.”

Shen Hexuan’s eyes shone brightly, “Really?”

Yan Sikong smiled, “Brother Shen, you are serving the country by inspecting the provinces. I will handle your family matters. For the court, it means contributing to the state. For personal reasons, since you consider me a confidant, I should reciprocate.”

Grasping Yan Sikong’s hand, Shen Hexuan said emotionally, “Sikong, thank you.”

Yan Sikong held his hand firmly and solemnly said, “May you not disappoint the emperor’s expectations or our teacher’s trust. I’ll wait for your return to the capital so we can assist the wise ruler together and usher in a new era of prosperity!”

—

Shen Hexuan is an important character in the following plot. The two will be lifelong friends and foes.