Chapter Forty-Two: The Crown Prince’s Companion Reader
Day three of Hell Week. The Jiang Estate, in the newly completed training grounds.
“Brats! Tired yet?”
“No, sir!”
“Really?”
“Yes, sir! We’re tired!”
“Run five more laps!”
“Sir!”
“Speak!”
“Why?”
“Because you lied to me, and I’m not pleased. Run another five laps!”
“Sir!”
“Speak!”
“Why again?”
“Because your whining is getting on my nerves. Now, thanks to your foolishness, you’ll run five more laps. I don’t want to hear another word from you! Otherwise, you can forget about lunch! Just so you know, today’s lunch includes braised pork!”
Run—endless running; exhaustion—so deep it seeps into the marrow; pain—so sharp it bores into the soul. They never knew if they’d hear their own breath the next moment, never knew what further torments awaited. There was no hope, no encouragement, no comfort—only Li Yi’s merciless mockery and scorn. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to quit; they were simply too exhausted to think at all. The only solace left in their hearts was the prospect of braised pork for lunch, but even that had now become a bargaining chip in Li Yi’s hands.
“Young Master!”
Li Yi was in the midst of his training when a pleasant and strangely familiar voice reached him.
“Bingyu! What brings you here?”
Bingyu seemed to have run all the way—her cheeks were flushed.
“Young Master, there’s a visitor at home. He asked to see you, and Master is with him now.”
“You ran all the way here? Silly girl, why didn’t you send a servant? Why come yourself?”
“It’s nothing. I was bored at home, so I came.”
“In that case, next time ride Juechen over. Don’t worry, if he refuses to carry you, I’ll give him a good thrashing!”
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“Young Master, are you sure?”
“Ahem!” Li Yi felt embarrassed. When it came to Juechen, there was nothing he could do. Sigh, for Bingyu’s sake, it looked like he’d have to sign another series of humiliating agreements with that little ancestor. Sometimes he wondered which of them was the master. Glancing back at the brats, he barked, “What are you looking at? Who told you to stop? Keep running! No finishing, no food! If I’m not here this afternoon, just follow yesterday’s training schedule. Someone will be watching you. Let me tell you, if anyone dares cheat, don’t blame me for being merciless! As a soldier, what I detest most is cowardice!”
...
Li Yi and Bingyu left the Jiang Estate and headed straight for the Li household.
“Bingyu, who’s here?” Li Yi asked as they walked.
“I don’t know him, but Master called him Minister Fang, I think.”
“Prime Minister Fang? Why would he come—has something happened with that scoundrel Li again?”
“Young Master, what are you muttering about?”
“Ah, nothing. Bingyu, I haven’t been home these past few days—everything alright at the house?”
“All’s well. The new furniture is finished and has already been changed out. I’ve asked them to keep making more.”
“Heh, not bad! This new furniture is worth making more of. My Bingyu really is clever! Anything else?”
“Oh, yes—these past two days, Prince Shu and Master Cheng came looking for you, but since you weren’t home, they left. But they said they’d come with a lot of people in a few days to introduce you to some new friends.”
Li Yi’s face twitched. “Those hooligans—getting greedy for favors, are they? Looks like I’ll have to teach them a lesson, or they’ll never know what I’m made of. I’ve just come back from hell, after all! Anything else?”
“Nothing much, just… well…” Bingyu’s cheeks flushed, and she hesitated.
“What is it? You silly girl, what can’t you tell me? Out with it.”
“It’s nothing, really. It’s just that, with you not at home, I felt a bit uneasy being alone.”
“Hmm? Are you afraid of the dark? Can’t blame you. I neglected that—such a big courtyard, and I’ve taken everyone with me, leaving you by yourself. That’s not right. How about this, Bingyu: from now on, come live with me at the Jiang Estate.”
Bingyu’s face lit up with delight. “Really?”
“Of course! Would I ever deceive you?”
“You’re the best, Young Master!”
“That’s right! I’m patriotic, dedicated, respectful to elders, kind to the young, thrifty, helpful, and skilled in both civil and martial arts. Who wouldn’t praise me?”
“Young Master, your illness is acting up again!”
“...”
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...
“Grandfather, I’m back. Nephew greets Uncle Fang!” As Li Yi entered the front hall of the Li household, he saw the old man chatting and laughing with Fang Xuanling, and quickly went forward to salute.
The old man, seeing Li Yi return, rose to his feet. “Yi’er, your Uncle Fang is here on important business. Don’t keep him waiting! Xuanling, please sit. I won’t keep you company—I’ll retire to my room for a rest. This old body is no good anymore.”
Fang Xuanling hurried to his feet. “Take care, Brother Yao!” Li Yi also helped support Li Jing, “Grandfather, take it slow!”
“Heh! I’m not so old I need help yet! I can walk myself. You two chat.” With a wave, the old man shook off Li Yi’s hand and walked out.
Once the old man was gone, Li Yi and Fang Xuanling took their seats. Bingyu poured tea for Li Yi, then quietly withdrew.
“Uncle Fang, what brings you here today?”
Fang Xuanling smiled. “There are two reasons for my visit. First, by imperial decree, you are appointed as the Crown Prince’s Companion-in-Study. You are to assume your post tomorrow.”
Li Yi’s pupils widened in shock. “Companion-in-Study? Don’t tell me that means I’m supposed to read books with the Crown Prince?”
“Well… you could put it that way.”
“Um, Uncle Fang, can I refuse?”
Fang Xuanling was taken aback, then frowned. “And why is that?”
“Why? Do you know how I spent those fourteen years on Mount Mao? My senior brother forced me to read and write every single day. Ten whole years! And now you want me to go back to reading? You might as well kill me! I’m not going. No matter what, I’m not going!” Li Yi sat cross-legged and put on a shameless act.
Fang Xuanling chuckled. “You rascal. This is the Emperor’s command—you can’t refuse. But His Majesty has granted you a privilege: you don’t have to go every day. As long as you attend at least ten times a month, that’s enough.”
“Really?” Hearing how thoughtful the Emperor was, Li Yi’s spirits lifted. He knew that once the Emperor made up his mind, there was no turning back, but he still had to struggle a bit.
“Yes. His Majesty knows you’ve been busy lately, so he gave you this special privilege. Now you have nothing more to say, right?”
“No, nothing at all! It’s settled then!”
“You brat! Now that’s done, let’s discuss the matter of the bank. I must say, you truly are a genius. Your proposals for the bank, charity, and merchant guild are simply brilliant—even I have to sigh and say, ‘If only my son were like Li Wenyong!’”
“Heh heh! You flatter me, Uncle Fang. I still have a lot to learn.”
“Your proposal for the bank is excellent, but there’s one critical issue—how will you ensure your banknotes aren’t forged?”