Chapter 388 Study Companion

Chapter 388: Study Companion

In the afternoon, the entire imperial city was gilded with a layer of golden sunlight. The sun hung at a slant on the bronze chiwen ornaments at the eaves, casting long shadows of the imperial study's window lattices. Two eunuchs stood with lowered heads at the doorway, not daring to even glance around.

On the large red sandalwood desk inside the imperial study lay a thick stack of memorials bound in imperial yellow silk. A square inkstone carved with lotus and fish motifs sat on the desk, its surface vivid and striking. A dragon-patterned brush with gold tracing rested horizontally across the groove of a white jade brush rest, its tip stained with flecks of ink.

To the west of the imperial desk stood a small pearwood table bearing a red lacquered tray, on which sat a cup of pre-Ming Dragon Well tea—neither too hot nor too cold. The tea was clear and bright, with wisps of steam rising gently.

The eastern wall of the hall, which had previously held a row of sandalwood bookshelves, had been cleared to make way for a massive painting spanning the entire wall.

It depicted fields, villages, country gentry, dams, and hills covered in sugarcane, bustling sugar workshops, and a city gate tower neither new nor old—the very "Heshan Hundred Scenes" that Meng Wan had labored over some time ago.

"Even I, cooped up in the imperial city, have heard of your husband's fame." The emperor sat in his broad chair, regarding his steady and reliable minister with a knowing smile. "So, he didn't suspect I was behind it?"

Though he claimed to be confined to the capital, Wen Zhao had planted eyes and ears throughout the city even before his ascension. Now that he held power firmly in hand, he was fully up to speed on everything happening in the capital.

Meng Wan was too sharp for that. The moment he discovered that the poisoning of his son was connected to the Shen family, he immediately sensed this was a trap—layered within layers, with more traps on the outside. He simply couldn't tell whether this layered scheme was meticulously orchestrated by the emperor or merely something the emperor had gone along with.

Song Tingzhou could read the emperor's thoughts even better than Meng Wan could. Deliberately poisoning A Yan was beneath a sovereign; applying pressure to force the great families into desperate action was more Wen Zhao's MO.

He knelt before the emperor. "Your Majesty is magnanimous and judicious in rewards and punishments. Your minister holds you in the highest esteem—how would my husband and I dare to suspect you?"

The emperor waved a hand, wafting away some of the heavy agarwood fragrance clinging to his sleeves. "Enough. It's just the two of us here—no need for all that. Sit."

Song Tingzhou rose calmly, offered another bow, and took the seat nearest the emperor, lowering his head respectfully.

The hall was quiet and solemn; the only sound was the emperor toying with his gold-cloud dragon-patterned jade pendant. Wen Zhao's tone was warm and reassuring toward his trusted minister. "Once the palace examination concludes, you can head south without a worry. I will handle the troubles in the capital. Your eldest son will be brought into the palace as the eldest prince's study companion. I'll keep an eye on him myself, and I will return to you a son whole and unharmed when you come back."

Song Tingzhou's tone held a trace of hesitation. "Your Majesty, there is considerable opposition to the equal-field decree in court, mostly orchestrated by the great families behind the scenes. Your minister fears someone may try to stop me and prevent my departure from the capital." He worried about his family, of course, but he couldn't show that too openly before the emperor—he was first and foremost a valued minister, and state matters came first.

"Ha." The emperor took a sip of tea. "Go and implement the decree with an easy mind. If the officials in the capital can't even handle such a small matter—if they can't measure up to even half of you—they might as well go home and farm." Though his tone was calm and casual, as if said in passing, a closer look revealed a faint, ruthless resolve that hinted at his ambition to rule the world.

To rule the realm, you needed more than grand strategy—you had to know how to manage your people. Since he had decided to wield Song Tingzhou as a sharp blade, he could not let it rust in his hands.

Song Tingzhou rose and bowed. "I won't let Your Majesty down."

The emperor set down his teacup and picked up an unread memorial. He had been about to dismiss Song Tingzhou when something occurred to him, and he spoke with playful teasing: "I'll handle things in the capital for you. But once you truly reach the Lin'an and Yangzhou region, where the great families stand entrenched and your work will be difficult—why not accept a few beauties gifted by those clans upon your arrival, to put them at ease?"

Song Tingzhou's expression turned stern. "This one thing I can't do. Your Majesty has entrusted me with great responsibility; if I could only accomplish my tasks through such means, I'd be failing you as a minister and failing my husband as a spouse."

The emperor laughed. "Don't be so dramatic. I was merely speaking casually. Very well, very well—you may take your leave."

Song Tingzhou's face remained taut as he bowed and departed, completely unmoved.

When the eunuch entered to refill the tea, he heard the emperor chuckling softly to himself.

"How did I never notice this back in Lingnan? Is the Meng family head really as fierce and tough as they say?"

—

Song Tingzhou left the palace with perfect composure, his face still expressionless as he rode his horse. Only when he returned home—A Yan running over with a smile to greet him, Chu Ci and A Xun paying their respects with proper courtesy, Chang Jinhua personally bringing him a plate of dumplings, and Meng Wan pulling him to wash his hands before sitting down to eat—did Song Tingzhou realize, without noticing when it had happened, that he was smiling. The smile was faint, barely perceptible, but the piping-hot dumplings warmed him all the way from his lips to his heart.

A few days later, A Xun visited the Zhao residence twice more, changing the prescription for Madam Zheng's eldest daughter-in-law and leaving behind pills, telling her he'd continue her treatment when he got back from Changping.

As it turned out, he was to accompany Chu Ci back to Changping. Chu Ci's name had already been written into the Song family genealogy during Song Tingzhou's last visit—recorded as Song Ci—and this time he'd bring the marriage certificate to add A Xun's name too.

Additionally, Chang Jinhua needed to preside over the wedding of her nephew Yu Geer and might stay in the countryside longer. They would travel back with the clan members attending the wedding, conveniently bringing along the down-on-their-luck Feng Jinzhang and Lu Chunfang.

Outside the city walls, the grass was lush and green, trees swayed in the breeze, and orioles sang their hearts out. Merchants, travelers, and vendors bustled to and fro—the shouts of dockworkers on one side, the laughter of young folks out riding and chatting on their spring outings on the other.

After crossing the drawbridge over the moat, Song Tingzhou dismounted with practiced ease, his tall, elegant figure and robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. Their family was always gathering and parting, yet every goodbye still tugged at their hearts.

"Mother, Wan'er and I will see you off from here. Travel safely. Once you reach Changping, have Huang Zheng write to me."

Chang Jinhua patted her grandson's head, watching him follow Meng Wan down from the carriage. Reluctantly, she said, "Why not let A Yan come back with me? Leave him in the capital, and I'll worry myself sick." She didn't yet know that A Yan was to enter the palace as a study companion, and Song Tingzhou had no intention of telling her.

Meng Wan was practiced at persuasion. "Mother, A Yan's studies can't be neglected. And with Tong'er by his side at all times, there's nothing to worry about."

At this, A Xun added, "Father, among the medicine pills my husband and I left at home, several are wrapped in Zhuang brocade pouches—red for poison, blue for antidote. You could have A Yan and Tong'er wear them close to their bodies."

Meng Wan would have liked that, but how could they bring medicine into the palace? Wouldn't that be asking for death? Though it would be perfect for him and Song Tingzhou to bring south instead.

"I understand. It looks like rain—you should get back in the carriage."

A long procession of carriages began to move slowly. The curtain of the last carriage was pushed aside, and Lu Chunfang's face appeared, somewhat shy. Years had passed, and the gap in their statuses had grown wide, making things feel a bit unfamiliar. But her eyes were sincere as she called out in a clear, loud voice: "Wan Geer, when you come back to the countryside, send word to me too. I've opened a small eatery in Guwen County—I'll treat your whole family to a meal and drinks."

Meng Wan remembered the honest, straightforward woman Lu Chunfang had been when they first met, and his eyes curved into a smile. "Alright, Sister Chunfang. When I return to the countryside, I'll definitely come to Guwen County to patronize your establishment!"

The day after seeing off the family, the imperial decree summoning A Yan to the palace as the eldest prince's study companion was delivered to the Song residence by a eunuch. Meng Wan saw the attendant out and, upon returning, heard loud wailing before he even reached the western courtyard's entrance.

"I don't want to go to the palace... sob... Father is selling his child! I want to chase after Grandmother—I don't want to go to the palace!"

Meng Wan was caught between exasperation and amusement. He walked in and leaned against the doorframe, watching A Yan throw his tantrum, waiting until the boy had cried himself tired before saying, "If you go to the palace, I'll give you three thousand taels of silver, and I'll buy you a silk figurine—you can pick the style yourself."

A Yan, who had been sitting on the couch with swollen, red eyes, wallowing in self-pity over the thought that Meng Wan was selling his son, suddenly heard the words and stared in disbelief, his eyes going wide as he gasped, "How much? Three thousand taels!!!"

Meng Wan spread his hands. "Still going or not? If not, I won't have Huang Ye count out the silver."

A Yan rushed over and hugged his leg eagerly. "I'll go, I'll go! Father, I'll go—I was only crying because I'll miss you and Father, not because I don't want to."

He thrust his two small, fair hands out toward Meng Wan. "Father, silver or banknotes?"

Meng Wan smacked his palm lightly. "Silver. Tomorrow at dawn, you'll enter the palace with your father. A palace attendant will escort you and Tong'er to the eldest prince's residence. They'll put away your luggage. Once you're there, speak little, and keep an eye on Tong'er not to act impulsively. When Father returns from the south, I'll come fetch you both home."

"Tong'er is coming too! Wonderful!"

"We get to live in the palace?"

"Father, you're going south?"

"Is it back to our home in Xiwu? A Yan wants to go back too!"

Bought over by three thousand taels of silver, A Yan instantly became a curious little boy again, looking forward to tomorrow with excitement.

After his earlier outburst, Meng Wan had sent away all the maids and servants in the western courtyard. It was only now that Zhu Yan returned with warm water. Meng Wan gestured for A Yan to wash his face himself. "Not going to Xiwu—this is official business. We should be back in the capital soon to pick you up. Go to sleep early; we'll be waking before dawn tomorrow."

Children sleep deeply and dream little, as if their boundless daytime energy is restored through the night. The next morning, when the sky was still pitch black, A Yan was roused from his sweet dreams by Zhu Yan, barely able to open his eyes.

The maids dressed him in new clothes. Since it had rained the day before, a layer of mist hung in the morning air. As A Yan brushed his teeth, still half-asleep and clutching his toothbrush, he shivered involuntarily—and the next moment, a heavy cloak settled over his shoulders.

"Still not awake?" A low voice came from above him. It was Song Tingzhou in his crimson official robes. Meng Wan, equally drowsy, leaned against him. The two of them watched their son wash up and dress, having arrived who knows how long ago.

The Song family carriage waited at the palace gate until Ge Quan and his son arrived on horseback. Compared to A Yan's trunks and cases, Tong'er had packed only a small bundle for himself.

"Tong'er!" A Yan was overjoyed to see him—the two had rarely been apart for long since childhood.

Tong'er ran over with his little bundle on his back. The two boys bowed to the adults first, then huddled together to chat.

"What did you bring?"

"A few pouches of gold nuggets. My father said the palace covers room and board, so there's no need to prepare anything. Why did you bring so much?"

"My father packed for me—my usual silk sheets, undergarments, robes, cloaks, silk dolls... in short, everything. We'll still play together then. Let me tell you, my father brought me that much silver..."

They were chatting up a storm. Neither Meng Wan nor Fang Jinrong had come; Song Tingzhou and Ge Quan weren't talkative types, so after exchanging greetings, they went their separate ways.

Song Tingzhou had to go to the morning court through the Meridian Gate, while the two kids were led by Ge Quan into the palace through the Left Shun Gate. A Yan and Tong'er had already learned a full set of court etiquette under Zheng Su's tutelage, and though their movements were somewhat unpracticed, they understood what was proper.

This was the difference between noble clans and common folk. What Song Tingzhou had only gained through years of grueling study and hardship, A Yan was taught by a Great Scholar as soon as he was old enough to read and learn. The Six Arts of the gentleman that Song Tingzhou only learned after passing the imperial exam and entering the prefectural school—A Yan could already trade a few moves with Tong'er.

The sons of great families were trained in both letters and martial arts from a young age: scholarly households focused on reading and governance, while military nobles emphasized wielding swords and spears. For instance, Lady Qi Shunying of Chai Commandery came from a military family, so despite being a girl, she had practiced fist-and-foot skills since childhood.

Ge Quan delivered the two kids to the front hall of Zhongcui Palace. Soldiers guarded the door between the front and rear halls, which couldn't be passed without good reason, as the rear hall connected to the main harem quarters. A Yan was already eight, and without a special decree, he couldn't set foot in the harem.

After entering the palace, there were few places they could go, but fortunately the front hall of Zhongcui Palace was spacious enough for them to live and play.

The reigning emperor had one son and one daughter, both born of the Empress. The eldest prince was the same age as A Yan but far more composed, carrying himself with an air of dignity in every move. The eldest princess was only a three-year-old girl, raised in the Empress's palace, while the eldest prince had moved out to his own quarters once he grew older.

He wasn't without a longing for playmates, but the cousins he usually met were all afraid of him, and their guarded conversations were dull. This was the first time the eldest prince had met an official's son, and though curious, he put on airs, unwilling to speak first with A Yan.

No personal servants were allowed in the palace. A Yan and Tong'er were brought to pay respects to the eldest prince, while their luggage was taken by palace attendants to their rooms.

A Yan was shrewd and kept thinking about his silver, and the eldest prince was too guarded, so you couldn't read his thoughts. So after a hasty greeting, A Yan eagerly dragged Tong'er off to their room to sort things out.

The two serving maids were startled and said nervously, "Young Master Song, Young Master Ge, these rough tasks are for us servants to handle. How could we trouble you two young masters to do them yourselves?"

A Yan smiled sweetly and spoke in a honeyed tone, "Oh, elder sister, at home my father taught me to do things myself and not rely on others. We can manage these little tasks—please go attend to other matters!"

A faint blush rose on the maid's cheeks, and she looked at a loss. In the palace, everyone was a noble; as the lowest-ranking maids, they bowed and knelt before everyone, never having been treated so politely.

A Yan shooed them out, closed the door, and began carefully inspecting his luggage. The boxes had already been opened and thoroughly checked by guards at the palace gate, and the locks that had been secured were now undone. A Yan roughly counted and found nothing missing, then took out two ten-tael silver ingots and tucked them close to his body.

"Tong'er, where's your money? Don't leave it lying around—lock it in my trunk. My father had this box specially made; without the key, even an axe can't break it open."

Tong'er tossed his bundle to A Yan without a second thought. Inside, sure enough, there was nothing but five pouches of gold nuggets.

A Yan placed Tong'er's bundle inside, carefully locked the trunk, and hung the key back around his neck.

It was still early, and with no word on when the eldest prince would summon them for lessons, A Yan and Tong'er chatted in the room and unknowingly drifted back to sleep.

The eldest prince waited and waited, but the two never came. He pressed his lips together and let the maids adjust his robes and cap.