The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 35: The Kiss
Zhu Jingwei was eager to take Qiu Huanian to see the red fermented bean curd workshop, but Jiang Er stopped him.
“Mr. Qiu, please don’t take offense. I mean no harm, but I think it would be more convenient if you brought someone else along.”
Qiu Huanian understood. In ancient society, a ge’er like himself shouldn’t go out alone with a man who wasn’t a relative. The Zhu family was a respectable household and didn’t want to invite gossip.
Jiang Er spoke politely, and Qiu Huanian wasn’t the type to stubbornly insist on his way. Since Aunt Huang and her sister had returned, Qiu Huanian decided to invite them to accompany him to see the red fermented bean curd workshop.
Zhu Jingwei had followed Qiu Huanian’s instructions and spent thirty-five taels of silver to buy a spacious courtyard in a remote area of the southern city. The courtyard was made of brick and tile. Though it lacked any fancy design or decoration, the materials were solid, and the space was open, making it perfect for a food workshop.
The courtyard had previously been a tofu workshop. The owner had been forced to sell the property because his son had gambled away a large sum of money.
Zhu Jingwei, with his deep pockets, paid the full asking price of thirty-five taels without haggling, which delighted the owner. In gratitude, the owner left behind all the tools and techniques they had used to make tofu.
The servants of the Zhu residence had cleaned the courtyard overnight. When Qiu Huanian and the others arrived by carriage and pushed open the two fir-wood doors, a neat and tidy small courtyard came into view.
The courtyard faced south, with five main rooms to the north, directly opposite the doors. The rooms had been completely opened up, and the floor was paved with bricks and stones, lined with twelve rows of sturdy wooden shelves.
One set of shelves held stacked round bamboo trays, while the other held clean, empty jars.
Zhu Jingwei pointed to the main rooms and said, “This is the fermentation room you mentioned, where both stinky tofu and red fermented bean curd will be fermented. You said fermentation needs to be done in a cool place, so I’ve already had someone measure the windows and doors to order bamboo curtains. Once they arrive, we’ll hang them up.”
Zhu Jingwei was eager to show off his work.
To the west of the courtyard was a mule pen, a large stone mill under a shed, and two connected side rooms filled with tofu-making tools.
“These things were left by the previous owner. I thought they could still be used, so I didn’t buy new ones. We’ll just need to buy a new mule. Since making red fermented bean curd requires a lot of tofu, I thought we might as well make it ourselves. It saves both trouble and money.”
This was Zhu Jingwei’s own idea. The servants had found several suitable courtyards, but after comparing them, Zhu Jingwei chose this one, which had previously been a tofu workshop, so that the fermented bean curd workshop could also produce tofu.
Qiu Huanian smiled and said, “Jingwei is right.”
It had to be said that Zhu Jingwei, having grown up in a merchant family, had some instinct for business, even if he had previously spent his days idling around.
Zhu Jingwei then pointed to the three connected side rooms on the east side and said, “Those rooms used to be living quarters. I’ve already had the kang beds removed and the furniture cleared out. I plan to build two new large stoves there for boiling tofu and pickling red fermented bean curd.”
In this way, the entire red fermented bean curd production process—from making tofu, steaming tofu, fermenting stinky tofu, to pickling red fermented bean curd and fermenting it in jars—would all take place within the courtyard, forming a complete production chain.
“This place will only be used for making red fermented bean curd. The truly important seasoning recipes will be purchased separately and given to trusted people to make into powder and ready-made seasoning packets, which will be delivered directly here.”
“There will always be people watching over the workshop, living in the side rooms to the left of the entrance. Nothing will go wrong!”
After excitedly explaining his arrangements, Zhu Jingwei took a water flask handed to him by a servant and took a sip of the jasmine and snow plum drink his mother had specially instructed him to bring before leaving.
The cool, sweet liquid slid down his throat, refreshing him.
Qiu Huanian nodded with a smile. “I don’t see any problems here. What do you think, Aunt Huang and Auntie?”
The Huang sisters, having learned that Qiu Huanian had partnered with the young master of the Zhu family to open a red fermented bean curd workshop using his recipe, were both impressed and happy for him.
The young master of the Zhu family seemed reliable, and with Yunse, the “Xiao Sanyuan” scholar with a bright future, no one would dare to have any ill intentions. By handing over the recipe, Qiu Huanian could earn a steady income without expending much effort, which was perfect for allowing him to rest and recuperate.
Aunt Huang smiled and said, “I can’t find any faults either. I’m just waiting for the red fermented bean curd workshop to start production so I can buy seasonings for my food stall in the prefectural city.”
“Once your food stall opens, it will be a great way to promote Qiu’s Red Fermented Bean Curd.”
Thanks to Du Yunse mentioning it several times during the Hundred Flavors Examination and having the prefect distribute small jars of red fermented bean curd with labels, the name “Qiu’s Red Fermented Bean Curd” had already spread throughout Xiangping Prefecture. The red fermented bean curd workshop jointly run by Zhu Jingwei and Qiu Huanian would continue to use this name.
“Next, we’ll need to find a skilled craftsman to carve the labels you designed and print thousands of them.”
“We’ll also need to find a few private kilns to make several types of one-catty jars and choose the most attractive ones to purchase.”
“Oh, right! I need to invite a renowned calligrapher to write the name of the red fermented bean curd workshop for the signboard to hang outside, so everyone will know this is my business!”
…
Zhu Jingwei, thinking of all the tasks that still needed to be done, felt the excitement of a new official taking office and couldn’t wait to get everything done.
Having seen the red fermented bean curd workshop, Qiu Huanian bid farewell. Zhu Jingwei had his family’s carriage take Qiu Huanian and the Huang sisters back to the Shu residence, while he rode off on horseback.
In the afternoon, Qiu Huanian went out with the Huang sisters to buy wicks and some daily necessities that were hard to find in Zhang County, returning with a full load.
In the evening, Du Yunse returned, carrying several books and some other items.
Qiu Huanian teased with a smile, “You left empty-handed but came back loaded. Did you go to a tea gathering or to freeload?”
Du Yunse replied helplessly, “These are just prizes. Take a look, Hua Ge’er, and see if there’s anything you like.”
Qiu Huanian first examined the books. The books given as prizes at the tea gathering were relatively new and niche.
The three books in Qiu Huanian’s hands were all new publications from this year, printed by a publishing house in the south. Two were travelogues, and one was a collection of lyrics and songs by a scholar with the pen name “Qingchi Idler.”
Qiu Huanian casually read a couple of the songs and found the Qingchi Idler’s use of language to be exceptionally elegant and unique, with beautiful rhythms. The lyrics were masterful in both emotion and scenery, but they carried a heavy sense of decadence, making one feel that life was absurd and hopeless after reading too much.
“Do you like this kind of lyric and song, Hua Ge’er?”
“Reading a few occasionally is interesting, but I can’t read too many, or I’ll feel listless all day,” Qiu Huanian replied with a smile, carefully putting the books away.
These lyrics and songs had a similar effect to the modernist and postmodernist literary works Qiu Huanian had read in his previous life. Though good, reading too much could make one question the meaning of life.
Perhaps it was because Qiu Huanian, in both lives, was fundamentally a person who loved life and reality, making him naturally incompatible with the themes of “absurd reality, hopeless life, and everything being meaningless” that were prevalent in such works. (Note 1)
Du Yunse nodded. Influenced by his teacher’s philosophy of “literature conveying truth” and “practical learning,” he didn’t particularly like the Qingchi Idler’s style, but if Hua Ge’er liked it, he wouldn’t say anything against it.
At the tea gathering, Qingfeng Academy had offered many prizes to reward outstanding scholars. Du Yunse, remembering that Qiu Huanian enjoyed reading leisure books, had chosen books that met the criteria.
“The Qingchi Idler’s works are all southern songs. The written words can’t convey the music, so the books only contain the lyrics. They need to be paired with a singer holding ivory clappers and singing softly to be complete.”
Qiu Huanian asked with interest, “Since the Qingchi Idler’s lyric collections have reached Liaozhou, he must be quite famous, right?”
Could he achieve the level of “wherever there is a well, people sing his songs”?
Du Yunse replied matter-of-factly, “The Qingchi Idler has been famous for several years. In the south, his songs are highly sought after. If he writes a song for a famous courtesan one day, her value will skyrocket the next.”
“Is that so?” Qiu Huanian deliberately drew out his words. “Yunse seems quite knowledgeable about this. Why don’t you tell me which courtesan has the best voice and which is the most beautiful?”
Du Yunse’s usual calm demeanor disappeared. Afraid that Hua Ge’er might misunderstand and feel hurt, he quickly defended himself, “I never go to such places, nor do I pay attention to such things. I only heard some rumors about the Qingchi Idler while traveling in the south with my teacher…”
Du Yunse’s voice trailed off as Qiu Huanian burst into laughter.
“Hua Ge’er…” Du Yunse sighed helplessly. He knew Hua Ge’er liked to tease him, but he always fell for it.
Qiu Huanian cleared his throat and gestured with his hands as if pressing something down. “Alright, alright, I know you’re a virtuous man. Can’t I just be curious? Can’t I enjoy looking at beautiful people myself?”
“…” Du Yunse took a deep breath and pulled his hand back when Qiu Huanian reached for the items he was holding.
“No.”
“Huh?”
“My eyes are only for you, Hua Ge’er, and your eyes should only be for me.” He said this with a calm expression, but his hand at his side was clenched tightly in nervousness.
Qiu Huanian was momentarily stunned, and as their eyes met, he belatedly felt his face heat up.
Their feelings for each other had grown naturally over time, and they had even made promises of a lifetime in moments of urgency. But such straightforward, jealous-like sweet talk was something Qiu Huanian was hearing for the first time.
“…What nonsense are you saying? Who else could I look at besides you?” Qiu Huanian stepped forward and took Du Yunse’s hand, removing the items and interlacing their fingers. His voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. “Besides, who could be more beautiful than you?”
Du Yunse’s face, as handsome and noble as a young dragon, had captivated him at first sight. His feelings had grown deeper ever since.
Du Yunse tightened his grip on Qiu Huanian’s hand. “Hua Ge’er…”
His voice drew closer, his warm breath brushing against Qiu Huanian’s skin. A thrill ran up Qiu Huanian’s spine, and he swallowed nervously, closing his eyes.
The soft, warm touch of lips pressed against his, followed by a gentle bite. Qiu Huanian let out a low moan, his hands instinctively gripping Du Yunse’s strong arms as the items in his hands fell to the ground.
During a brief moment to catch his breath, Qiu Huanian managed to say, “The things on the ground…”
Du Yunse’s voice was hoarse. “It’s just tea and a fan. It’s fine…”
The next second, he kissed him again with possessive intensity. As their lips and tongues intertwined, Qiu Huanian’s brain grew oxygen-deprived, his heart pounding like a drum. Waves of excitement surged through his nerves, leaving him no room to think of anything else.
When the kiss ended, the two found themselves on the kang bed. Qiu Huanian lay half on Du Yunse’s chest, his face buried in the other man’s broad chest.
Du Yunse’s large, bony hand rested on the back of Qiu Huanian’s neck, slowly and firmly massaging him. Deep emotions and heart-pounding desire seeped through the thin skin into his burning blood, making him feel breathless.
Qiu Huanian lay there, breathing shallowly. When Du Yunse didn’t make any further moves, he tugged at his sleeve.
“Actually… we could… do it now…”
Du Yunse’s breathing above him instantly grew heavier, and the hand on his neck tightened before reluctantly loosening.
Qiu Huanian looked up, but before he could utter a word of confusion, his eyes were covered by Du Yunse’s burning palm.
Du Yunse rolled over, pinning Qiu Huanian beneath him. The young man’s strong, tall body loomed over him like a shadow.
The young man beneath him was breathing heavily, his lips moist and red, his skin glowing with a delicate pink hue from arousal. He clutched at Du Yunse’s sleeve, restless and eager.
Seeing this, Du Yunse’s breathing grew even more ragged, his eyes dark and intense, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
This was his, his little husband…
Du Yunse closed his eyes, forcing down all his impulses. The six rites of marriage had not yet been completed. He couldn’t let Hua Ge’er be wronged in such an unclear manner. Moreover, Hua Ge’er’s health was poor, and he was still taking medicine. If things went too far, it could harm his body…
Qiu Huanian, lost in tension and confusion, didn’t know how much time had passed when he suddenly felt Du Yunse sit up and remove the hand covering his eyes.
Qiu Huanian’s clear, watery eyes blinked in confusion, making Du Yunse’s gaze grow even darker.
Du Yunse reached over and pulled the blanket, wrapping Qiu Huanian up completely.
“Wait, wait…”
Qiu Huanian’s restless hands were firmly restrained. Du Yunse held him through the blanket, his voice hoarse. “Don’t fuss, Hua Ge’er. Old Doctor Gu specifically warned that you must avoid intimate activities while taking the medicine.”
“Can’t we make an exception? Just a little, just a bit…” Qiu Huanian persisted, unwilling to give up.
Du Yunse chuckled and sighed, patting his back soothingly but firmly refusing. “No.”
Qiu Huanian felt like crying. He was a ge’er full of vitality, and having his desires stirred only to be denied the feast before him was frustrating, even if Du Yunse’s intentions were good.
Qiu Huanian grumbled and turned over in the blanket roll, facing away from Du Yunse, temporarily unwilling to talk to him.
Du Yunse rested his chin on Qiu Huanian’s shoulder and spoke softly.
“Hua Ge’er, I’m so happy that you feel this way about me.”
In front of Qiu Huanian, Du Yunse wasn’t entirely confident. Though he prided himself on his lofty ambitions, he still worried about how much weight he held in his beloved’s eyes.
Qiu Huanian’s earlier reactions had surprised Du Yunse, but facing such eager, longing, and adoring eyes, who wouldn’t feel warmed and moved?
In his eyes, Hua Ge’er was perfect in every way. Shyness had its charm, and boldness had its own appeal.
Qiu Huanian’s inner restlessness gradually subsided, replaced by concern for Du Yunse. Du Yunse’s restraint was surely more painful for him than it was for Qiu Huanian. Through the thin blanket, Qiu Huanian could feel Du Yunse’s burning, hardened body.
“Are you okay? Should I… help you?” Qiu Huanian reached out.
Du Yunse interrupted him, wrapping an arm tightly around him. “Don’t move, Hua Ge’er.”
“…Don’t move. Just let me hold you like this.”
Qiu Huanian realized something and curled up under the blanket, closing his eyes. Du Yunse’s low, magnetic gasps enveloped him like waves, his teeth gently nibbling at Qiu Huanian’s fair, delicate shoulder. The thin blanket separating their bodies grew scorching hot, almost as if it didn’t exist. Qiu Huanian couldn’t help but curl his tender toes, trembling slightly.
In the deserted courtyard, a few birds flitted about, and the half-closed door concealed the spring-like scene within the room.
After a while, Du Yunse’s arms suddenly tightened, then gradually relaxed, his breathing steadying.
He tenderly brushed aside the sweat-dampened hair from Qiu Huanian’s forehead, then lovingly kissed his beloved’s beautiful cheeks, the tip of his nose, and his lips.
Seizing the opportunity, Qiu Huanian playfully bit Du Yunse’s sharply defined chin, blinking mischievously like a child who had just pulled off a prank. “I’ll let you off this time, but next time, you can’t be the only one enjoying yourself…”
Du Yunse responded with a deep kiss, his hoarse voice whispering in Qiu Huanian’s ear, “Alright, once your body is fully recovered, you can have your way with me, Hua’er.”
…
The two lingered affectionately on the kang bed for over half an hour before finally parting. Du Yunse got up to boil water, allowing Qiu Huanian to wash up, and then did the same himself.
Once everything was tidied up, they sat back down in the central hall to continue their earlier conversation, though the atmosphere had completely changed.
“This is two taels of high-quality Zhengshan Xiaozhong black tea, a gift from the headmaster.”
“These fans have poems I wrote on them. You can paint on them, Hua’er. They’ll come in handy during the summer.”
At the tea gathering, many people had approached Du Yunse to write on their fans because of his “Xiao Sanyuan” reputation. Knowing that once he started, he’d have to write for everyone, Du Yunse had politely declined all requests and brought back the few fans he had inscribed himself.
The fans were made of fine green bamboo with rice paper covers. Though not particularly valuable, they were elegant and unique when paired with poetry and paintings.
As Qiu Huanian played with the fans, Du Yunse continued, “The headmaster also invited me to study at Qingfeng Academy today.”
Qiu Huanian looked up. “What do you think?”
Qingfeng Academy was renowned as the top academy in Liaozhou. Every provincial examination saw multiple students passing, and many of its graduates had become high-ranking officials, earning it a reputation for producing outstanding scholars.
“The provincial examination was just a small test. In the future, the imperial examination will pit me against scholars from across the province, and the metropolitan examination will rank me alongside the nation’s finest talents. Though I pride myself on my knowledge, I dare not be overconfident.”
“Now that my mentor is no longer by my side, studying in isolation will only lead to stagnation. Qingfeng Academy has many learned teachers and classmates with whom I can discuss classical studies and current affairs. I plan to accept the invitation and prepare for next year’s autumn examinations.”
Meeting Du Yunse’s anxious gaze, Qiu Huanian smiled gently. “Then go. Studying is a good thing. Why would I oppose it?”
Du Yunse hesitated. “The prefectural city is far from Zhang County. Once I start studying, you’ll be left to manage everything at home alone again.”
Qiu Huanian stroked his chin. “Do you need to start immediately?”
Du Yunse shook his head. “Qingfeng Academy opens its doors to new students every year after the start of spring. I won’t be an exception. I won’t start until next year.”
Qiu Huanian laughed. “Then why worry about next year? At worst, we can all move to the prefectural city.”
Their trip to the prefectural city had introduced them to the Shu couple and the Zhu brothers. Soon, Aunt Huang and her sister would also move there, so they wouldn’t be entirely without support.
Du Yunse had passed the provincial examination with top honors, becoming the highly sought-after “Xiao Sanyuan” of Xiangping Prefecture. Qiu Huanian’s partnership with Zhu Jingwei to establish the red fermented bean curd workshop was about to take off, promising a steady stream of income. The conditions for moving to the prefectural city were ripe.
The only thing Qiu Huanian was concerned about was the three acres of cotton in the fields. Beyond the income, these cotton plants represented many of his ideas and experiments. By harvest time, he would have a draft of a cotton farming manual suited to this era.
With Du Yunse starting at the academy next year, there was plenty of time to harvest the cotton, settle all affairs in Du Village, and prepare for the move to the prefectural city at a leisurely pace.
“Our family is small, and Jiujiu and Chunsheng are still young. A single-courtyard house would be enough. I’ve looked into the market. A small, furnished single-courtyard house near Sweet Water Lane costs around fifty taels. Once we sell the cotton, we’ll have more than enough.”
“I’m worried you’ll overwork yourself, Hua’er.”
“It’s just a matter of speaking up. Don’t worry. Now that we have more money, I plan to hire people to work the fields. I won’t overexert myself.”
Qiu Huanian wasn’t a masochist. He had worked himself to the bone in the fields earlier because they needed to save money during the initial stages and because he hadn’t realized how poor his current physical condition was.
Now, with a steady income from the red fermented bean curd workshop and the increasing sales of sorghum candy thanks to Meng Wudong’s efforts, he could afford to take it easy and focus on recovering his health.
Du Yunse had spoken of growing old together with him, and Qiu Huanian had never forgotten.
Du Yunse nodded, somewhat reassured. Moving to the prefectural city would also allow him to see Hua’er during his monthly breaks, making it easier to care for him.
“The provincial examination is over, so I can ease up on my studies a bit. From now on, I’ll handle all the household chores. You mustn’t push yourself, Hua’er.”
Qiu Huanian smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t hesitate to put you to work when the time comes.”
Du Yunse chuckled, pinching Qiu Huanian’s puffed-up cheek. “That’s more like it.”
…
After staying a few more days in Xiangping Prefecture, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse were finally ready to return home. Zhu Jingcheng and Zhu Jingwei came to see them off. Despite Zhu Jingcheng’s earnest attempts to persuade them to stay, he eventually had to let his family’s coachman drive them back to Zhang County in their carriage.
“Mr. Qiu, please don’t refuse. Our family’s carriage is spacious and far more comfortable than those from the carriage service. You’ve just recovered from a serious illness. How can you not take care of yourself and endure the hardships of travel?”
“Hua’er, we’re partners in the red fermented bean curd workshop now. No need to stand on ceremony,” Zhu Jingwei chimed in. “Our family has plenty of servants and carriages. Let him take you back slowly. No need to rush. You can stop and go as you please. It’ll be much more comfortable!”
Qiu Huanian had no choice but to accept their kindness. Earlier, when Qiu Huanian had declined, he had mentioned the cotton in the fields, which piqued Zhu Jingcheng’s curiosity. “Mr. Qiu, are you really growing cotton in Zhang County?”
The Zhu family’s business included a significant portion of fabric trade, so Zhu Jingcheng was naturally familiar with cotton, a major raw material for textiles.
In Liaozhou, only a small southern region could grow cotton, and even then, the yield was poor. Merchants in Liaozhou had to travel further south to purchase cotton.
The high prices and additional transportation costs were burdensome, and in bad years, cotton was often in short supply despite the demand.
Compared to the vast demand across the Yu Dynasty, the output from the southern cotton-growing regions was still too low. Cotton was a crucial survival and strategic resource, and the court had repeatedly attempted to promote its cultivation, with little success.
Hearing that Qiu Huanian was growing cotton in Zhang County, which was even further north than Xiangping Prefecture, Zhu Jingcheng couldn’t help but be surprised.
“That’s right. This is the first year we’re trying it. We planted three acres, and the growth has been good. We should have a bountiful harvest,” Qiu Huanian replied openly.
If anyone else had said this, Zhu Jingcheng would have dismissed it as boasting.
But Qiu Huanian had already demonstrated his capabilities through the red fermented bean curd workshop partnership. Zhu Jingcheng knew he wasn’t the type to make empty claims. His mind quickly turned over several possibilities.
“Mr. Qiu, being able to grow cotton in Zhang County is a great boon for our country. Once the cotton is harvested, I must come to purchase it!”
Zhu Jingcheng elevated the matter to a national level, but Qiu Huanian simply went along with it. “Then I’ll await your visit, Young Master Zhu.”
Three acres of land could conservatively yield over six hundred catties of cotton. Selling it piecemeal would take forever. If Zhu Jingcheng wanted to buy in bulk, Qiu Huanian was more than happy to oblige.
Bidding farewell to their friends in Xiangping Prefecture, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse boarded the Zhu family’s carriage and set off leisurely toward Zhang County. They had arrived with some trepidation but were now returning with everything in order and a wealth of accomplishments.
Top honors in the provincial examination, the “Xiao Sanyuan,” poetry competition champion, the Hundred Flavors Examination, the red fermented bean curd workshop, the Shu couple, the Zhu brothers, and Qingfeng Academy… In just over ten days, they had experienced so much. Though there had been occasional setbacks, they had ultimately achieved remarkable success.
Now, reclining comfortably in the spacious carriage, Qiu Huanian’s heart flew back to their small courtyard, to Jiujiu and Chunsheng, to the large pear tree in the yard, and to the well-stocked vegetable garden.
As he thought about the new house they would soon build, he chatted idly with his beloved companion, a smile playing on his lips.
…
Thousands of miles away, within the nine-layered palace, Emperor Yuanhua sat high in the inner chamber of the Jinshen Hall, casually tossing aside a memorial.
“Such good brothers and sons I have…”
The Jinshen Hall was attended only by the emperor’s most trusted confidants. The spacious hall was eerily silent, everyone instinctively lowering their heads.
Emperor Yuanhua pointed to the side. “Go, secretly copy these two memorials and send them to the Eastern Palace and Prince Wen Hui’s residence.”
Chief Eunuch Wen Xing dared not say more and quickly stepped forward to retrieve the two memorials that had been set aside on the corner of the desk.
His eyes briefly scanned the memorials, noting that one was from the Education Commissioner of Liaozhou and the other from the northeastern border region of Jingshan.
Recalling the recent movements in the court and the machinations of Prince Pingxian and the second and third princes, Wen Xing sighed deeply in his heart.
The storm was coming. Some believed they had victory within their grasp, unaware that they had already stepped into the trap set by the most patient and bloodthirsty predator in the Yu Dynasty.
Wen Xing handed the two memorials to the eunuch in charge of copying in the outer chamber. Emperor Yuanhua’s calm, merciless voice came from behind him.
“Draft an edict. Promote Consort Kang to Noble Consort Kang and move her to the Kunning Palace, granting her authority over the six palaces.”
“Ennoble Noble Consort Kang’s younger brother as the Marquis of Taiping, bestowing the name Kang Zhong, and award him golden boots and a jade belt, with a fief of a thousand households.”
“Enfeoff the third prince, Honghan, as the Prince of Jin. Order the Imperial Household Department to immediately select a site for his residence without delay.”
Wen Xing bowed in acknowledgment, his palms already damp with sweat.
Once these three edicts were announced, the entire capital, and perhaps the entire Yu Dynasty, would be thrown into turmoil.
The emperor’s mind is truly inscrutable…
Author’s Note:
Note 1: This is not meant to disparage anything! It’s just my humble perspective as a casual reader. When I was studying modernism and postmodernism, I nearly lost myself in it, constantly questioning the world and human nature (pinches temples) (soul leaves body…)
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Shiyun
Thank you so much for the translation, it’s always so well-done! I hope you have a nice day!