The spring blossoms are fleeting, swept away by a gust of wind or a sudden rain. The vibrant flowers that adorned the branches just days ago have vanished, scattered on the ground or floating in the pond, soon to be cleared or washed away. The clamor of the blossoms has been replaced by the lush green of leaves.
Deng Yi stood beneath the corridor, sipping tea as he gazed at the shaded courtyard.
"Young Master, your official hat," a servant called out, hurrying from behind with the hat in hand.
Deng Yi grunted in acknowledgment.
Noticing the official robe still laid out in the room, the servant asked, "How unusual. Why haven’t you left for court today, Young Master?"
Just then, an attendant hurried in and reported in a low voice, "Sir, news from the Border Commandery—Xie Yanlai is the one entering the capital."
Deng Yi finished his tea. "I knew it would be him."
As the servant reached out to take the teacup, a new attendant had already stepped forward to retrieve it. "Fortunately, the Grand Tutor has other preparations," the attendant remarked, pausing briefly before adding, "Should we inform the Empress about Liang Qiang’s arrival in the capital? After all, the Liang family and the Empress previously—"
Deng Yi was well aware of the past between the Liang family and the Empress.
"Truthfully, there was never anything substantial between the Empress and the Liang family. It was merely a disagreement among the younger generation. As for the Liang family’s subsequent downfall and exile, Xie Yanfang was merely purging the Crown Prince’s ranks under the guise of a youthful dispute, unfairly burdening the Empress with the appearance of a feud," he explained.
The attendant nodded. "Though that is the truth, people tend to remember these personal conflicts. Rumors spread, and over time, even a nonexistent feud becomes real."
A genuine feud would bring no benefit to the Empress—only to certain others.
Deng Yi spoke calmly, "What I seek are the details regarding the Border Army. Matters of military and state affairs are separate from personal sentiments, just as the Empress’s prior arrangements for the Border Army were matters of state, not personal. I do not interfere."
The attendant understood his meaning. Previously, when Xie Yanfang’s younger brother, Xie Yanlai, followed the Empress to the Border Army and began leading troops—reportedly even taking command of Chu Ling’s former Luo City Garrison—neither the Empress nor the Border Army had consulted the Grand Tutor. Yet, the Grand Tutor had neither questioned nor opposed the decision, demonstrating his trust in the Empress.
"The Grand Tutor’s trust in the Empress is undoubtedly sincere," the attendant murmured. "But I fear the Xie family may attempt to sow discord." Lowering his voice further, he added, "Xie Yanfang’s return at this time is certainly no coincidence."
Deng Yi smiled faintly and took the official hat from the servant. "I would be more concerned if it weren’t a coincidence. I’ve been waiting for precisely this kind of 'coincidence.'"
The servant, bewildered by the exchange, snapped back to attention and moved to fetch the official robe from inside. But the attendant had already retrieved it and was helping Deng Yi into it, continuing the conversation with a light laugh, "It’s good that you are prepared, Sir."
As they spoke, another servant entered from outside.
"Sir," he bowed and reported, "The King Who Pacifies the Country has sent birthday gifts for the elderly madam. Shall we accept them?"
The King Who Pacifies the Country, also known as Prince Zhongshan, had been under strict surveillance by the court this past year. Imperial forces had encircled his commandery like an iron barrel, yet Prince Zhongshan remained unaffected. Within Zhongshan Commandery, it was equally impenetrable—the court could glean no intelligence.
After all, the court was well aware that Prince Zhongshan’s earlier "confession" had been a farce. They had not truly subdued him but had merely forced him to retreat a step.
To avoid provoking him into mobilizing troops again, the court had also taken a step back.
Thus, Prince Zhongshan was not confined to Zhongshan Commandery. He could still move freely and audaciously, even sending gifts to Deng Yi.
But this was not an attempt to curry favor with the Grand Tutor—it was a deliberate provocation.
Deng Yi still bore the stigma of colluding with Prince Zhongshan, yet in reality, the prince wished for nothing more than his death.Deng Yi listened with an expressionless face, calculating briefly with his fingers. "Although it's a month early, since it's been sent, we'll accept it."
He turned and called for his servant.
"Go meet them."
The servant, who had been idling nearby, promptly responded. While he couldn't compare to the newcomers in discussing court conspiracies or serving with quick wit, he was well-practiced in receiving gifts.
He hurried off to meet the gift-bearers.
The gift-bearer was also an acquaintance—the servant recognized him as Master Ning.
"It's been a long time since you last visited, Master Ning," the servant greeted warmly.
Ning Kun looked at the servant. The servant hadn't changed, but the small residence had been replaced by a grand mansion, and Deng Yi was no longer easily accessible.
Ning Kun couldn't be bothered to see him and said indifferently, "That's thanks to the Grand Tutor's empty promises."
It sounded like an insult to the Second Master, but the servant didn't understand and didn't care. After all, the Second Master had never been praised by anyone.
He didn't concern himself with whether the gift was meant to flatter or provoke—gifts were simply exchanged back and forth. If one was given, it was accepted, and eventually, it would be given away again.
"Thank you, thank you," the servant said, adding, "Come again next time."
Ning Kun sneered, "Don't worry. As long as the Grand Tutor remains in his position, my Prince will treat him as an honored guest." With that, he flicked his sleeve and boarded his carriage.
As Deng Yi mounted his horse to leave, he saw one carriage entering the Grand Tutor's residence and another slowly driving away.
"That was for the Heir Apparent, Xiao Xun," an attendant whispered.
Deng Yi chuckled. "The Prince still cares deeply for the Heir Apparent."
"More than just caring, my lord. You haven't been to the courier station," the attendant said, growing animated. "Prince Zhongshan has practically turned the courier station into a miniature Zhongshan Prince's Mansion. It's lavishly decorated with priceless furnishings. The Crown Prince of Zhongshan can enjoy local specialties from Zhongshan Commandery anytime, and even spring water is delivered to him."
Deng Yi glanced toward the courier station and remarked calmly, "Such is the heart of a parent."
...
...
The courier station was now referred to by the capital's residents as the Heir Apparent's Residence.
The exterior of the Heir Apparent's Residence was heavily guarded, but when a carriage approached and the guards recognized its insignia and the Waist Token presented by the driver, they cleared the way. The tightly shut gates swung open immediately, and the carriage slowly entered.
The layout of the courier station remained unchanged, but the buildings and courtyards had been transformed.
Two pomegranate trees grew in the courtyard, lush and green with budding flowers, promising a blaze of brilliant red blooms in the near future.
"Excellent, excellent," Ning Kun examined them carefully. "The Prince was worried the trees wouldn't survive. It seems digging up the entire courtyard's soil was effective. This year, the Heir Apparent will see the pomegranate blossoms from home."
"And he'll get to taste the large pomegranates from home," an attendant chimed in playfully.
Suddenly, water splashed over, spraying on the ground. Ning Kun and the attendant instinctively dodged, looking up to see Tie Ying standing on the steps, glaring coldly at them.
"You're here. Do you need to wash up? Would you like some tea?" Tie Ying asked, not waiting for their reply before pointing toward the back. "Help yourselves."
The attendant didn't dare say more and retreated with his head bowed.
Ning Kun showed no displeasure at Tie Ying's attitude and nodded. "We understand. Tie Ying, you may attend to your duties." He then asked, "Is the Heir Apparent busy?"
Tie Ying sneered, "The Heir Apparent isn't busy. What is there to be busy with here?" Without another word, he picked up the copper basin and walked away.
Only then did the attendant step forward and whisper, "Tie Ying's temper is getting worse. Can he take proper care of the Heir Apparent? We should send more people."After Xiao Xun entered the capital and was detained, he refused the attendants offered by the court and did not allow Prince Zhongshan to send any followers. Even Ning Kun, who had originally accompanied the Heir Apparent, was sent back. Only Tie Ying remained by his side.
Ning Kun glanced at him and said, "In such a confined place, having too many people would only cause noise. The Heir Apparent has always preferred tranquility. As for Tie Ying's temper, hasn't it always been like this? When you return, do you know what to say?"
The attendant, catching the warning in his gaze, understood his meaning. If they went back and reported that Tie Ying had lashed out at them, wouldn't it be misinterpreted as the Heir Apparent harboring resentment?
If the Prince learned that the Heir Apparent was resentful, he would surely feel—saddened, worried, and self-reproachful.
"The Heir Apparent least wishes for the Prince to worry," Ning Kun said coldly.
The attendant hurriedly agreed: "The Prince need not worry at all. Tie Ying received us with practiced hospitality, managing everything as efficiently as ten people. The Heir Apparent is also well taken care of by him."
Ning Kun nodded with a faint smile. "I will go see the Heir Apparent now. Before I left, he mentioned wanting to learn painting. I’ll see how much progress he has made."
Ning Kun went alone to the study—a room converted from an ordinary posthouse chamber. The bookshelves were filled to the brim, and famous paintings hung on the walls. These furnishings, including the desks and chairs, had all been transported from Zhongshan Commandery.
The window had been refashioned into a round moon gate, and before it stood a slender vase holding a spray of willow branches, swaying gracefully in the breeze.
Beside the swaying willow branches stood a young man dressed in a flowing, wide-sleeved robe of watery blue, his back turned.
Seeing this figure, Ning Kun’s eyes warmed slightly as he bowed in salute. "Ning Kun pays his respects to Your Highness, the Heir Apparent."
Xiao Xun seemed startled awake by the voice. He turned around, his face breaking into a smile, deep dimples appearing. "Master Ning, you’ve come."
...
...
"The weather is growing hotter. The Prince has sent summer clothes for the Heir Apparent, as well as your favorite treats from home."
Ning Kun produced several lists, reading them aloud in a rambling manner.
"Also, since the Heir Apparent enjoys swimming, the Prince is considering digging a lake at the posthouse. He plans to demolish the entire row of buildings at the back—the space should just about suffice."
Xiao Xun reached out and took the lists, glanced at them briefly, and tossed them onto the table.
"Master Ning," he said, "after you returned, has everything gone smoothly?"
Ning Kun nodded. "Zhongshan Commandery is even better than before. With all pretenses cast aside, the Prince acts without restraint. This spring, he reformed the garrison farms, and by winter, we can conscript new recruits. Moreover, come next spring, we will begin minting coins—"
Land, conscripts, currency—self-sufficiency. This meant Zhongshan Commandery would no longer be controlled by the imperial court.
Xiao Xun smiled faintly and asked, "And what about you, Master? Has all been well?"
Ning Kun understood his meaning and nodded with a trace of gratitude. "After the Heir Apparent sent me back, the Prince showed me compassion and entrusted me with greater responsibilities. I am now overseeing the new policies within the commandery."
Xiao Xun nodded. "As I’ve said before, Master Ning, your talents are vast. Only by serving my father can they be fully utilized."
Ning Kun bowed again. "I thank the Heir Apparent. I was originally a gift from the Prince to you."
He, too, should have remained here, serving the Heir Apparent like Tie Ying.
"No need for thanks," Xiao Xun said, his gaze fixed on Ning Kun. "Then, have you inquired about the matter I asked you to look into?"
Ning Kun, still in his bow, stiffened slightly.
That matter—the Heir Apparent had not forgotten it after all.
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