Chapter Sixty-Two: The Petty Are Fearful—An Auspicious Omen of Abundant Harvests (Part One)

This incident caused a great uproar in the city of Chang’an.

After returning to his residence, Helan Minzhi pondered the matter and suddenly realized the consequences, murmuring, “What should I do? What should I do?”

His advisors had all been arrested; the remaining servants could fight for him but were incapable of offering counsel. Before him stood a few trusted aides, but they exchanged bewildered glances, unable to answer.

Each felt a strange unease. Upon reflection, there had been several incidents—those at Mount Zhongnan weren’t worth mentioning. Take the Hongwen Academy, for example: who was right or wrong wasn’t important, but once things escalated, they became far more complicated. And this time, causing trouble at the Xu family, though excessive, only resulted in a few servants being injured. Yet, with events unfolding as they did, even the Crown Prince was incensed to the point of coughing blood and fainting, making even these rough men feel the situation had become dire, and their master’s predicament more perilous than ever.

Expressions shifted across their faces. Helan Minzhi, furious, spat, “Get out, all of you! I’ve raised a bunch of useless drunkards and gluttons!”

Driving the group away, he found himself increasingly chilled by his own thoughts. It wasn’t the first time he’d clashed with the Crown Prince, even deliberately provoking him with the Yang family’s young lady. The sickly prince had merely left, angrily waving his sleeve, never resisting, never uttering a word of defense even before his aunt and uncle.

But since a serious illness over a month ago, the Crown Prince had changed entirely. Helan Minzhi began to suffer losses both in the open and the shadows, always coming out worse. Much of this was due, directly or indirectly, to the prince’s guidance.

Helan Minzhi sensed something was amiss. Xu Jingzong, upon hearing the news at his manor, realized even more.

By the end, his hand holding the teacup trembled, making the lid clink softly against the cup. After listening, he said, “Go now, summon the young master.”

“Yes,” the servant replied, and soon Xu Yanbo arrived.

Xu Jingzong, grabbing a feather duster, beat him fiercely.

Xu Yanbo protested, “Grandfather, what have I done wrong?”

“You’ve brought suffering upon the Xu family.”

“Grandfather, could you explain? I don’t even know what happened.”

This question awakened Xu Jingzong. Beating alone wouldn’t solve anything; ultimately, it was for his grandson’s own good. He himself bore some blame—had he not warned against trusting the Crown Prince, these events might never have unfolded.

“Sit down,” said Xu Jingzong, inviting Xu Yanbo to sit as he recounted everything.

“Grandfather, you mean the whole affair was orchestrated by the Crown Prince?”

“No, not exactly. If so, Xu Yue’s performance wouldn’t have been so natural. Yet the prince reacted swiftly and arrived promptly, indicating he’d anticipated everything. At the very least, the guards harassing Wu Minzhi’s servants were under his orders.” Helan Minzhi was finished, so Xu Jingzong called him by name, adding, “What’s frightening is this level of calculation—it chills me to the bone.”

His hand shook again.

He had erred, truly erred this time. Since the prince’s illness, he had changed; every time Xu Jingzong thought he understood him, new actions emerged, instilling fear and uncertainty. If his grandson hadn’t provoked the prince, perhaps his status as the Crown Prince’s mentor would have been a blessing.

But during their last conversation, the prince had guarded against him, suspicion evident! The more astonishing the prince became, the greater the consequences of such wariness.

This time, Xu Jingzong had even overestimated Li Wei. The strategy was good, but not without drawbacks. Li Zhi, upon hearing of the coercion, felt some displeasure. Yet this incident forced Li Zhi and Wu Zetian to act decisively, handling the matter and, to appease public anger and military resentment, ordering Helan Minzhi’s execution. The greatest benefit, however, was the shock it sent through others.

Most of the plan was devised by Di Renjie. In terms of harming others, Di Renjie was no match for Xu Jingzong. In wisdom, Xu Jingzong was formidable, but still fell short of Di Renjie—a future titan who would later spar with Wu Zetian, forcing her into retreat yet delighting her endlessly. Of course, Di Renjie at present lacked experience in the upper echelons of officialdom. Otherwise, with his intellect, applied to harming others, dealing with Xu Jingzong would be even easier!

Xu Jingzong was no simple man. Through certain incidents, he deduced much of Di Renjie’s and Li Wei’s arrangements. But the more he guessed, the more terrified he became.

“Grandfather, that Xu Yue is bold, daring to challenge the Emperor and Empress,” Xu Yanbo said cautiously.

“So what? He’s a guard of the Eastern Palace, a veteran of Mount Zhongnan’s bloody battle, loyal to his master. If His Majesty knew, he’d surely reward him.”

“But I’ve heard rumors—the Crown Prince disregarded his dignity and had a palace maid’s family open a workshop in the Eastern Market.”

“Are you talking about the Crown Prince’s candy workshop?” The recipe came from a palace maid, and the common folk found the name ‘milk candy’ too ordinary, so they privately renamed it ‘Crown Prince’s Candy.’ Xu Jingzong shook his head. “Never mention this. In the inner palace, several maids care for the prince. He, mindful of appearances, cannot support their families directly. When a maid invented this candy, the prince arranged for Jiang Bi’er’s family to run a workshop. It wasn’t a breach of protocol. If anyone truly investigates, Jiang Bi’er’s reputation was made by kneeling before that guard!”

Even Xu Jingzong, upon hearing this, could only sigh—what a remarkable little palace maid!

“If the workshop is closed, the merchant’s troublesome status is eliminated. Then we’ll see the Emperor bestow honors upon the Jiang family. Not wise, not wise.” With that, Xu Jingzong closed his eyes, deep in thought.

But Li Wei’s opening of the workshop wasn’t just to help the Jiang family—it was for his own treasury. A series of industries had begun, just the first step. It truly was Li Wei’s own enterprise.

After a while, he said, “Grind the ink.”

Xu Yanbo prepared the ink; contrary to custom, Xu Jingzong didn’t let him write, but took up the brush himself. Xu Yanbo watched from the side; his eyesight was poor, so the characters were large and clear. It was a memorial, denouncing Helan Minzhi’s many illegal deeds, solemnly demanding the Emperor and Empress deal with him strictly to uphold order.

“Grandfather…”

“Learn from this. The wall is about to fall; before everyone comes to push it, let me push first. It’s to clean up after you—otherwise, when they all come together in a few days, you won’t escape blame for your trip to Hongwen Academy with him.”

Xu Jingzong continued writing, mentioning Xu Yanbo, admitting he’d failed in teaching his grandson, who’d been misled by Helan Minzhi and had foolishly aided him at the academy. The old minister described the strict family discipline he’d imposed, but expressed deep anxiety, requesting the Emperor publicly execute his grandson as an example, and so on.

“Grandfather…”

“The more I say this, the less likely the Emperor and Empress are to punish you. Do you understand?” He finished, dried the ink, sealed the letter, and glanced outside.

It was still drizzling, not heavy but persistent—just enough to frustrate those longing for rain. The ground was damp, the sky darkening. Xu Jingzong said, “Once this is dealt with, it becomes a major case. Get ahead of it. When you reach the Eastern Capital and meet the Emperor and Empress, just cry and admit fault; do nothing else. They are wise—playing clever tricks before them is courting death. You might even gain some benefit. Leave the city now, ride the blue-steed from the stables to the Eastern Capital—the sooner, the better.”

“Yes.”

Xu Yanbo left, and Xu Jingzong fell into deeper thought. The more he pondered, the more inscrutable the Crown Prince seemed. This uncertainty unsettled him greatly.

A gust of evening wind and fine rain drifted in, neither fierce nor cold, but as insidious as the prince’s actions, chilling to the bone. In matters of subtlety, Xu Jingzong was a master, yet his body shivered inexplicably once more. He called out, “Attend me, bring my brocade robe!”

………………………………

Spring rain lasted two days, then the skies cleared.

Though not heavy, it was still rain, wasn’t it? The people rejoiced. Spring rain was as precious as oil; its value could be seen in the verdant willows within and outside the city. After a brief shower, the green deepened, dripping with emerald, flowers bloomed brighter, and the wind carried waves of rosy hues, stirring layers of glowing mist, a swirl of myriad colors.

Li Wei, accompanied by a squad of guards, arrived at the Yang residence in the radiant spring sunlight—to fetch Yang Min.

Rumors about Yang Min circulated throughout the city, many of them unfair. She was just a young girl, only fifteen, often confused for thirteen—indeed, she was only thirteen years old. What could she possibly understand? Besides, this incident had frightened her badly.

She often sent embroidered handkerchiefs to the Eastern Palace, even cut her hair, but in truth, there was nothing between her and Helan Minzhi. Li Wei felt a surge of pity.

Since he was leaving the city, he decided to take Yang Min along for some fresh air and to restore her reputation. After all, the Crown Princess should observe the people’s lives. In these dreary times, he felt a sense of guilt, but in a few months, the grand wedding would take place.

Not just the wedding—Yang Min would need to bear an heir, or else his position as Crown Prince would not be secure!

Alas! How would he manage when the time came...

The carriage halted; two large dogs inexplicably stood at the Yang residence gate, barking fiercely. The old gatekeeper hurriedly restrained them and greeted the party, whispering, “Our master heard about the Duke of Zhou’s actions, especially his trouble at the Xu residence, and was frightened. He bought two big dogs for guarding and, using his authority, posted several soldiers for night and day watch. Your Highness, please don’t take offense.”

Li Wei nearly laughed—why hadn’t they done this sooner?

Yang Sijian was terrified, most of all for Yang Min, who hadn’t dared step outside and slept with two maids at night. These details were relayed through her handkerchief deliveries.

“No matter. Please summon the young lady; I’ll take her to see the fields.”

“Yes!” The old gatekeeper straightened his back, delighted. Since the incident, the entire household had been gloomy, as if in mourning. The Crown Prince taking their young lady out was the best news imaginable.

He glanced at Li Wei’s sallow face, worriedly asking, “Your Highness, your illness?”

“My illness is nothing. Go.”

“Yes!” He trotted inside, buoyant.

Soon, Mrs. Yang led Yang Min out, calling from afar, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“No need,” Li Wei waved dismissively, harboring deep aversion for his mother-in-law.

“Your Highness, Min’er is young and ignorant—please look after her on your outing,” she said loudly and proudly, as if afraid others wouldn’t hear. Her words drew curious glances from passersby.

Li Wei shook his head, offering no formalities, pulling Yang Min onto the carriage and ordering the driver, “Go!”

A strange pair indeed—once Mrs. Yang disliked the Crown Prince, now the prince disliked her.

Once aboard, Yang Min stared at Li Wei, suddenly breaking into sobs.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Your Highness, I visited you recently—even though you were ill, your complexion wasn’t like this.” She wept harder.

Ah, she cared! Li Wei was pleased. He whispered, “Watch closely.”

He moistened his fingers and wiped his face, showing them to Yang Min—his fingertips were coated in a layer of waxy yellow.

“Eh!”

“Hush, don’t speak of this.”

Not so foolish; she pondered a moment, grasped the meaning, and giggled through her tears, unsure whether she was laughing or crying.

Li Wei said, “You’ve behaved admirably these days. Remember, until the court deals with Helan Minzhi, you must not wander outside.”

“Yes, I was terrified that day. I had nightmares for two nights after, and Mother had a great priest pray for me.”

“Don’t worry, good will be repaid with good, evil with evil—not that retribution doesn’t come, but the time hasn’t arrived.” He tried to comfort her, though inwardly he disagreed: good people seldom live long, while wicked ones endure, thriving all the more.

If he hadn’t resorted to certain wicked schemes, Helan Minzhi would likely escape justice. But there was no need to discuss these matters with the young girl.

“Yes, His Majesty will punish the Duke of Zhou eventually. He’s, he’s too vile.” She bit her apricot-sized teeth, eyes blazing. She was genuinely frightened—who wouldn’t be, after being stuffed into a sack, gagged, bound, and carried for over an hour? She also feared the Crown Prince would blame her. In these days, her delicate face had grown sharp and thin.

She held Li Wei’s hand, caressing it, asking with concern, “Your Highness, are you feeling better?”

“My illness is no matter.”

“Your Highness, may I lean on your shoulder?”

“Of course.”

Yang Min moved closer, curling her petite figure into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. “Your Highness, it’s strange—my heart feels settled at this moment, and warm too.”

Ah, she had feelings now.

Li Wei smiled, saying nothing.

The carriage creaked as it rolled out of the city. Perhaps from anxiety, Yang Min had been restless and sleepless for days. Now, nestled in Li Wei’s arms, she drifted off, tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes beneath the sunlight, sparkling like jewels. Yet her lips gradually curved into a smile.

PS: The first update arrives ahead of schedule. Two more to come. Three updates on the third day! As for launching the paid version, I’ve always been grateful to everyone; frankly, my strength is limited. All I can do is offer more free chapters. I’ve discussed it with the editor—we plan to launch in the fourth week of this month, keeping twenty more days of public release, aiming for around 400,000 words before the switch. Enjoy the reading—it’s still early. If you’re truly satisfied, please save your monthly votes and cast them for me at the end of the month (shamelessly delighted).