Chapter 405: This Matter Does Not Concern Romance
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The spring wind did not care about romance and neither did the summer wind. It was only the wet, clear, or humid air that continued their endless rolling. So, the people living in the air developed certain emotions due to the rolling of the heaven and earth.
"So what if you made it clear? Would the Qing Emperor just believe your stance?" she gazed at Fan Xian and said with a tinkling laugh. Haitang was wearing a light blue unlined garment. On the clothing was, stereotypically, sewn two large pockets and her hands were, stereotypically, tucked into the pockets.
Fan Xian slightly tilted his head. He understood what she meant. Having Eunuch Yao take every scene in Jiangnan back to Jingdou to have everyone in court know that he had chosen the Third Prince, this kind of practice of choosing before the Emperor was definitely not something Fan Xian would have done before.
However, things were not the same. Fan Xian held too much power in his hands, so he had to demonstrate to the Emperor that he had absolutely no interest in that throne.
The problem was as Haitang had said, why should the Emperor trust him? Just because of the Third Prince? After all, the Third Prince was still a child. If, after the Emperor passed, Fan Xian helped the Third Prince onto the throne, given the power in his hands and his background, at any moment he could set up the Third Prince as a figurehead and act as regent, ruling from behind a curtain or something like that.
"The Emperor is healthy and in his prime," Fan Xian lowered his head and quietly said. "The future is too far away, I can't always go on being a solitary official. Furthermore, he placed the Third Prince beside me. I am just going along with his intention, as for…what consequences will it create?"
His eyes narrowed and he looked at Shou Lake in front of him and light fog above the lake. He quietly said, "I have been thinking about a question for a long time."
Haitang yawned and covered her mouth, "What question?"
"The other reason I stood out this time was to give the two princes in the capital some pressure," Fan Xian said with a wide smile. The two princes he spoke of were the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. "I really do want to drive them to desperate action, otherwise with things moving so slowly, who knows high that mother-in-law of mine would be. Would she be as high as a few floors…"
He shook his head. "In any case, I don't want to wait anymore."
Haitang's heart thudded slightly. She glanced at him with her face away from him. "Are you truly going to lay out your cards…"
Fan Xian smiled and said, "I'm not done with the question yet. I want to force the two brothers to desperate action, but what about the Emperor? He had the Third Prince follow me to Jiangnan, so he must have expected the situation would develop like this. With the Third Prince involved and his attitude so ambiguous, how could the Crown Prince accept this? And now the Second Prince cannot go up or go down, and it is impossible for him to just give up…does our Emperor want to force his own son to rebel?"
Having explained his doubts, the coldness in his heart felt slightly better and flowed out with a sigh.
Haitang lowered her head and said, "Even though the royal family is merciless, in the end, he is a father, why would he manipulate his own son like this?"
Fan Xian nodded, "This is what I don't understand."
"Congratulations," Haitang suddenly opened her mouth and said.
Fan Xian was confused, "What is there to congratulate?"
"Since your thoughts are so similar to the Emperor's, then in the situation at the end of the year…naturally, you will win," Haitang said lightly.
Fan Xian thought for a moment then quietly said, "It seems that your confidence in my Emperor is even more ample than mine."
"Because you are a Southerner," Haitang said indifferently. "After you entered the capital, the Qing Emperor has always appeared somewhat taciturn, so you have not felt his terror. Back when he was just the Crown Prince, he had led the army three times on Northern expeditions. As a distant Qing Kingdom, he shattered the Wei Kingdom and made the other kingdoms keep quiet out of fear…such ruthless strategies and such terror. Standing on your side and considering this matter, naturally, I have a great deal of confidence in him."
"Your Emperor is a heroic ruler." Haitang very directly praised the Emperor of another kingdom. "For these two years, the lion has not been sleeping, he has only closed his eyes to digest the food in his stomach. But if someone truly dared to try and touch his position, his eyes would open and he would mercilessly tear his enemy to pieces."
Fan Xian became silent. "Actually…I understand. That is why I want me to do this thing, not him."
"After all is said and done, you are still a very sentimental person." Haitang gazed at him with a not-quite-there smile. "Although you usually like to hide your kindness under a veneer of selfishness, you are still a very sentimental person. If the Qing Emperor ends up striking out in anger, it is certain to be a bloodbath. You don't wish to see this scenario, so you want to do it yourself…to compress this destructive power of this matter to be as small as possible."
Fan Xian lowered his head and implicitly admitted this explanation. Regardless of how much hatred he had for Xinyang the Eldest Princess, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince, after all, the Eldest Princess was Wan'er's mother and that loveable Ye Ling'er had now become the second imperial concubine. As for the fight for that chair, once it exploded, it was certain to bring disaster to the clan. In many ways, Fan Xian was a cold and emotionless person, but he still didn't want thousands of heads to hang above Jingdou and have their filthy blood wet the city walls.
That Second Prince, who was so similar to him, smiled so shyly. Would he be able to smile like that once he had been turned into just a head?
If the Emperor and himself won, what about the Ye family? What about Ye Ling'er?
For Fan Xian, these were all problems, but for that Emperor, none of these were problems. Thus Fan Xian strongly desired to be able to obtain the power to resolve this problem, but…
Haitang gently said, "You should know, you cannot resolve this problem by yourself. Your enemies have powers that are beyond what you can deal with. For those people, the Qing Emperor has his own plans and does not need you to do it in his place. Ultimately, right now you are just the sharpest sword in his hand, but he is the hand that holds the sword."
Fan Xian knew she was talking about the Junshang Conference and silently nodded his head.
"And there is also the empress dowager." Haitang smiled slightly.
Fan Xian saw a glimmer of sadness in her smile and couldn't resist muttering, "Both dowager empresses are very troublesome."
It was clear that Haitang did not wish to continue that pointless topic. Her gaze, unintentionally or not, landed on the ancient sword on his waist.
"Wang Qinian sent it," Fan Xian met her gaze and explained. "Apparently it was once the sword of the last Emperor of the Wei Kingdom."
Haitang's expression did not change as if she had long known of this sword's history. In a clear and cold voice, she said, "Be careful of causing too much discussion."
Fan Xian smiled. "Thanks for your reminder, I originally thought no one would recognize it."
Haitang lowered her head, thinking about something. A moment later, she faintly said, "The destruction of the Wei Kingdom was not even 30 years ago. Although Xiao En and Zhuang Mohan, the last two spiritual representation of the Wei Kingdom, have already passed, it has not been that many years. Right now, there are still many who remember the events of that time."
Fan Xian didn't know why Haitang's mood was strange but an absurd feeling welled in his heart. Today, it could be said the world was at peace; everywhere could be considered wealthy. Who would have thought, not even 20 years ago, it was a great battlefield. At that time, battles raged without end, countless people died, and one large kingdom was destroyed and two kingdoms were born. The green hills ran with blood, the yellow waves piled up the bodies, and countless white bones were heaped together. The major figures who now led the world on its path were both thus.
The two fell into silence, gazing dazedly at Shou Lake in front of them.
The lake was not the one in the Baoyue Brothel in Jingdou, it was the lake behind the Suzhou Baoyue Brothel. Last month, Fan Sizhe sent a letter to have the Jiangnan people began to dig the lake. It had taken a lot of manual labor, and they had forcibly doubled the size of Shou Lake. If one were to gaze out the back of the Baoyue Brothel, the beautiful scenery was at its peak.
However, the Baoyue Brothel had been half destroyed by that attack and was still busily being repaired. So, Fan Xian and Haitang were just coldly standing by the lakeside watching the fog appear and disappear, disperse and then convene again, as fickle as life itself.
"Your brothel is being repaired very slowly," Haitang seemed to say out of the blue.
"I can't be using Northern Qi's silver too blatantly right in front of you." Fan Xian smiled. "There is no rush to repair the building. I have transferred some professionals from the capital, and they're going to closely examine the sword mark in the building."
The so-called professionals were people of the Second and Third Bureaus. Since Baoyue Brothel's destroyed building was Ye Liuyun's first crime scene, Fan Xian hoped to be able to dig out some of the Great Grandmaster's true attack style from the aura of the sword mark to use in the future.
Haitang said, "I had a look already."
"Oh?" Fan Xian's eyes lit up. He knew that Haitang's experience with martial arts far exceeded his own, so she would certainly have some discoveries.
"Eight columns, cut through at the same time." Haitang recalled the fine marks in the building and couldn't hold back a sigh. "The other cracks were made only made by the sword will…you and I, if we wanted to cut through the columns, we would be able to just barely do it, but as for that kind of control of power, who knows how many months or years before we can come into contact with that kind of realm."
Fan Xian lowered his head and said, "In your opinion, given this kind of world-shaking strike, how many can Ye Liuyun use?"
"Three."
Haitang very directly said, "That is under normal circumstances. If that old man is pushed to extremes, no one knows what miracles could happen."
It was indeed a miracle to be able to demonstrate the might of heaven and earth with a human's power.
…
…
"You really won't go with me?" Fan Xian faced the lake and let out a deep and turbid breath.
"Someone has to stay in Suzhou," Haitang smiled slightly and said. "Besides, you've shamelessly had the Eighth Bureau announce our relationship everywhere. If I really did go to Hangzhou, how do you plan on having me conduct myself? Even if you are a shameless person, you should at least be considerate of me."
It was a very direct resentment. Although said with a smile, Fan Xian had no means of blocking it.
He smiled slightly and said, "Then I'll be going."
Haitang slightly inclined her body and lightly said, "I won't see you out."
In the early morning of Suzhou, the fog on the lake welcomed the sunlight and quickly dispersed. This pair of young people, one man and one woman, did not say another word, they thus naturally split off and followed the lakeshore in different directions.
…
…
Leaving Suzhou did not take much time. Fan Xian had originally been prepared to live by West Lake in Hangzhou while in Jiangnan. It was only because the Ming family matter had become an unexpectedly thorny problem and many other unexpected problems that forced him to stay. Knowing they were going to move to Hangzhou, his subordinates had prepared everything long ago. Even the servants in Hua Garden made their preparations to leave under Sisi's leadership.
Fan Xian did not return Hua Garden to the salt merchant. Haitang was staying in Suzhou to keep an eye on the palace treasury transport company as well as the large amounts of silver in Zhaoshang money house, so needed a place to live. He also considerately left her a few average-looking but nimble servant girls.
Yang Jimei would not be tenderhearted about this garden, on the contrary, he was extremely happy.
On the farewell feast, Yang Jimei smugly sat below and didn't even hear what he said to the two high officials sitting above. He only felt that his ancestral tombs must have been amazing because, unbelievably, he was eating with the imperial envoy at the same table.
The meal didn't take much time. Governor Xue Qing, the usually rarely seen inspector-general, and Suzhou Zhizhou being investigated by the Overwatch Council, had come to send Fan Xian off. But because of the ruthless scene under the bamboo canopy that day on Dragon Rise festival, none of the various Jiangnan officials dared to bring any gifts.
Only Xue Qing prepared a precious gift without fear. The weight of the gift made even Fan Xian a bit shocked and speechless.
After the feast, Fan Xian and Xue Qing strolled in the garden. Fan Xian smiled and said, "Sir, spoiling your juniors like this…first, I am not worthy, second, how will I scold those Jiangnan Road officials in the future in good conscience?"
His words were a play on words.
Xue Qing only smilingly scolded, "It's not a gift, so you have to take it even if you don't want to."
Fan Xian was confused.
Xue Qing said in a clear voice, "Half the things inside are for Lady Lin, no, it should be Mistress Fan. It's is her first visit to Hangzhou, she certainly didn't bring enough things with her. This is prepared for her."
He continued, "The other half is to show respect to my teacher. I am long been busy in Suzhou with official affairs and have been unable to personally show my filial respect. I hope you will be able to take my regards."
Fan Xian smiled. A few days ago, he had told Xue Qing about his upcoming visit to Wuzhou and had written it in a letter to the Emperor. Only now did he remember that no matter what, Xue Qing was sure to prepare a weighty gift.
Having thought this through, he did not say any more on this topic. In a light voice, Fan Xian said, "While I am in Hangzhou, if you have any instructions, please feel free to write me."
"I dare not." Xue Qing said with a smile. "You are the imperial envoy. I dare not have any instructions, but there will always be troubles."
Fan Xian casually made some responses. He knew that Xue Qing had long been waiting for him to leave Suzhou but did not expose this.
Just as they were about to part, Xue Qing suddenly opened his mouth and said, "Sir Fan junior, there is one matter to which I have not found the answer."
"Please speak," Fan Xian replied.
Xue Qing was silent for a moment then said, "How…old exactly are you this year?"
Given his status as the Jiangnan Governor, he didn't use any polite phrasing. Rather, he directly used a senior's tone to ask. Fan Xian chuckled and said, "19."
Xue Qing was slightly startled. It matched rumors, yet on the contrary, he found it slightly unbelievable. He couldn't resist shaking his head with a bitter smile. "It is as they say, heroes are made young."
The imperial envoy having left the city, Hua Garden immediately became much quieter. Suzhou, which had been living under the powerful oppression of the Overwatch Council and Fan Xian, seemed to come alive within a day. Having confirmed that the Fan manor's black carriage had exited the city gates, the Suzhou people began to spread the news. Hot tears swam in the eyes. That treacherous official had finally left! Some people even began to light firecrackers.
That night, Jiangnan Road, particularly the officials of the Suzhou government, began to congratulate and celebrate. They celebrated each other not having been invited for tea at the Overwatch Council. As for those officials who had already fallen, no one spared them an extra glance.
…
…
Although Suzhou and Hangzhou were close, it was still impossible for Fan Xian to hear the firecrackers the Suzhou people lit to send off the pestilence demon. Although later, the Overwatch Council's secret reports did report it, he only dismissed it with a laugh.
The group of people settled down in the Peng family manor on the side of the West Lake in Hangzhou, returning to the time when they first reached Jiangnan. Before Fan Xian had even sat down, he asked, "Where is the Mistress at now?"
A subordinate reported, "There seemed to be some obstruction. She is still in Shazhou."
Fan Xian started slightly and a sense of unease welled in his heart. After thinking for a moment, he didn't say anything more. He just led the seven Tiger Guards and rode toward Shazhou.
Dusk was about to arrive. Because Fan Xian was worried about Wan'er, he had forgone his usual carriage and just rode here on horseback. As he entered Shazhou, he felt like his entire body was going to fall apart.
While his subordinates and the Tiger Guards behind him were also pale-faced, they almost collapsed with exhaustion on this swift one day journey.
A dozen fine horses shattered the silence of Shazhou in the darkness. They directly came to a stop outside of a manor. This manor was initially the Shazhou base of the Jiangnan water bandits. Now, it had long been taken for use by the Overwatch Council. After some repairs, it had, in name, become Fan Xian's private residence.
Fan Xian flipped off the horse. Without acknowledging the greetings of his subordinates at the door, he directly charged into the manor.
Just as he was about to mount the stone steps inside the manor, he saw a familiar face. It was the wife of the Teng family. Fan Xian furrowed his brows and asked, "What happened?"
"Young master?" A glimmer of surprised joy flashed through the eyes of the wife of the Teng family. "Why are you here? The Mistress is fine. She is just resting in her room."
However, Fan Xian did not believe her. Logically speaking, Wan'er should have reached Hangzhou today. If she was delayed, it must be because she wasn't feeling well. He urgently pushed open the door and entered, sweeping to her beside like a gust of wind. He waved his hand back and shut the wooden tightly with a gust of palm wind.
He gazed at the girl lying on the bed and looked the lines of exhaustion on that familiar and beautiful face. He couldn't help feeling a pang of pain and said, "If you're not feeling well, then travel slower."
Lin Wan'er smiled widely as she looked at him and said, "Should I go slower…so you'll have more time for fun?"
Fan Xian was startled and smiled. "Where do you get all these cheeky words." As they spoke, his finger was already lightly placed on her white-as-jade wrist and he began to take her pulse.
What Fan Xian was most worried about was Wan'er's body. She had lung disease for a number of years. Although in the last two years he had been carefully taking care of her and they also had the medicine teacher Fei Jie had personally mixed, Wan'er's body was simply weak. He was worried it could not endure the wind and chills of traveling.
With his finger lightly placed on Wan'er's wrist, Fan Xian's expression became gradually cautious. The feeling of touch particularly shocked him. How had Wan'er become so thin?
"You stopped taking the medicine?" Feeling that her pulse was different, Fan Xian drew his finger back like he had been shocked. He gazed at his wife with shock. His eyes filled with concern and confusion.
Lin Wan'er slowly drew her hand back and coughed lightly. Gazing at Fan Xian, she calmly said with a glimmer of determination and joy, "Yes, I stopped taking the medicine…before Ruoruo left, she brought Grandmaster Ku He to the manor to visit. Grandmaster Ku He said that Sir Fei's medicine is too powerful. If I want to have children, I must stop taking this medicine."