“Bring the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.”
The young Crown Prince gave an order.
Immediately, a palace attendant carried a small table and wrote something on it. The official personally went over, polished the ink, spread out the rice paper, pressed it with a ruler, and then bowed to Fan Zhou, saying, “Master Li, please.”
Fan Zhou, whose pseudonym was Li Xian, did not move but chuckled softly.
“Your Highness has misunderstood.”
In the silence hall, Fan Zhou spoke up. “The humble just walked through the wrong palace gate and came in to see the excitement. To see the fun, naturally, the humble has to see till the last step to be considered complete. Ai, what literary writing? The humble feels a headache when the he saw those papers and ink. From childhood to adulthood, the most annoying thing is writing articles.”
“Aiya, the humble apologize for giving Your Highness such a misunderstanding. The humble will leave now and not disturb Your Highness’s rest.”
The inner official couldn’t help but get angry.
Scholars are proud of their achievements. Since his Highness opened his mansion to recruit talented individuals, the guests who came to apply for positions at the Lanxin Palace have been diverse and have various strange temperaments. There are many so-called famous scholars who claim to be noble based on their knowledge of a few words and ability to write a few sour essays. However, this is the first time he has seen someone as ignorant as this.
First, while his Highness was being assessed, he fell asleep and was disrespectful to his Highness. Then, in the middle of the night, he made a fuss to see his Highness, disturbing his Highness’s rest. His Highness went out of his way to get up late at night and sit down, and he went so far as to say that he had come to the wrong place so lightly.
He is simply extremely arrogant.
Fan Zhou didn’t seem to feel the angry gaze from the inner official. He looked drunk and confused, as if he hadn’t fully sober up yet. He picked up the wine pot that had not left much wine and walked unsteadily outside the hall.
“Fan Zhou, Fan Shiyuan.”
The refreshing sound behind the curtain suddenly rang out again.
“A native of Xiangyang County, Jingzhou, born in the third year of Changping. His ancestors were originally from the Fan family in Jiangdong, and he was known for his eloquence and writing skills. He was open-minded and not formal in nature. Five years ago, he became famous in Jingzhou for using clever strategies to help the Governor of Xiangyang County quell the banditry in Baihu Mountain. Later, he also used clever strategies to control the floods in two counties of Jingzhou, saving nearly a thousand acres of fertile land from floods. He is also the only scholar recommended to enter the court in Xiangyang County this year.”
Fan Zhou paused in his footsteps.
The inner official was also extremely surprised and looked at Fan Zhou’s back in disbelief.
This scruffy and seemingly ignorant alcoholic is actually a famous scholar in Jiangnan, Fan Zhou, Fan Shiyuan?!
Fan Shiyuan, who is not from a prestigious family, often attends impractical discussions with the local famous scholars. Isn’t his life rich? How could he be like this?
Fan Zhou was actually surprised and amazed in his heart.
This disguise of his could be described as a reversal of his image. Even the few fellow scholars from the same hometown did not recognize him. How did this Crown Prince of Jiang recognize him?
But Fan Zhou did not show his surprise on his face. He still said in a drunken voice, “What Fan Shiyuan, Your Highness has mistaken.” The Crown Prince behind the curtain did not have gloomy looks.
But he slowly said, “Sir came here to watch the excitement. Perhaps such a situation does exist. But this Lanxin Palace of Gu’s is not a market, there’s no one who dares to dress up as a destitute drunkard and come in to Lanxin Palace to watch the excitement, unless they are brave and meticulous.”
“Take another step back. Even if there were such a bold drunkard in the world, no one would dare to get up in the middle of the night and cause trouble after entering this hall, repeatedly challenging Gu’s bottom line.”
Fan Zhou calmly said, “Even so, how can Your Highness be so sure that I am Fan Shiyuan, not Zhang Shiyuan or Liu Shiyuan?”
“Because of the Master’s wine in the wine bottle gourd.”
Fan Zhou’s eyebrows twitched.
“Who in Jiangnan doesn’t know that the famous scholar, Fan Shiyuan, likes to drink perilla wine? Every time he makes wine, he must put half a leaf of perilla in the wine vessel to increase the spiciness.”
“The Master’s wine in the wine bottle gourd has been diluted with a lot of plain water, but as usual, half a small leaf of perilla has been added. Originally, outsiders would not be able to smell it, but in order to shape your image as a drunkard, Master has shown your unrestrained behavior while drinking and spilled a lot of wine on your clothes.”
“Gu’s sense of smell has always been good. The moment the Master entered the palace, Gu already smelled the scent of perilla, and combined with the Master’s actions, it was not difficult to determine the Master’s identity.”
“Is Gu right?”
The young Crown Prince’s voice is clear and bright.
Fan Zhou laughed.
“Your Highness’s meticulous analysis and insightful observation are truly brilliant speculations. However, Fan Shiyuan is not the only one in the world who likes to drink perilla wine. The evidence in Your Highness’s mouth does not seem to be entirely convincing.”
“What the Master said is very true.”
The sound behind the curtain this time had a hint of playfulness.
“Gu can confirm the Master’s identity not because of the Master’s perilla wine or various wild and bizarre actions, but because Gu has been sending people to monitor the Master’s whereabouts since two months ago.”
“Gu has admired the Master for a long time. After the establishment of the mansion, the most important thing that Gu wants to do is bring the Master under Gu’s command and invite the Master as a guest of honor at Gu’s Lanxin Palace.”
Fan Zhou’s face finally didn’t look good this time.
To be honest, he don’t know how many people are watching him in Jiangnan, but he didn’t expect that this golden and honorable, known as the glorious Crown Prince of Jiang, would also use this kind of tactic.
The most important thing is that he is somewhat quick-witted and rebellious, and all the tails that follow him have been thrown away by him in various ways. Why did he not notice the people sent by the Crown Prince of Jiang?
This feeling is actually not very pleasant.
It was as if he had played the clown back under the eyes of the other party.
Fan Zhou lowered his face coldly. “Does Your Highness think that by using this method, you can force famous scholars from all over the world to enter the Lanxin Palace?”
Jiang Yum said, “The Master’s statement is not accurate. From beginning to end, Gu’s goal has been only the Master alone.”
Fan Zhou raised his sleeves and said, “Why does Your Highness believe that Fan Shiyuan will definitely enter the Lanxin Palace?”
The inner official once again widened his eyes in surprise.
The man in front of him is really Fan Shiyuan!
Jiang Yun said, “Because the Master wants to choose a wise master to serve, there will be no wise master in this Jiangnan region that better meets your requirements than Gu.”
“Gu understands the Master’s aspirations and ambitions, and Gu is able to provide the Master with unparalleled resources, status, trust, and the maximum space to showcase the Master’s talents.”
The young Crown Prince’s tone was not high, but the resounding force between his words echoed clearly in the candlelight swaying inside the hall.
It was impossible for any advisor to hear such words and not be moved by them.
And the confidence and arrogance displayed in these words are indeed only the most prestigious Crown Prince in the Jiangnan region who has the confidence to speak out.
There was indeed a momentary tremor in Fan Zhou’s heart.
Because he saw something similar to passion and excitement from a 14-year-old Crown Prince. This is not something that can be found in any noble child.
Fan Zhou laughed inexplicably again.
“Is Your Highness taking so much trouble just to invite me into the jar to fulfill my ambitions and give me a space to showcase my abilities?”
“Of course not.”
“Gu also has his own selfish intentions. Who in the world doesn’t know Fan Zhou, Fan Shiyuan? As long as Gu has the ability to bring Fan Shiyuan into the Lanxin Palace, Gu believes that there will be more famous scholars willing to join Gu.”
Accompanied by this clear tone, a figure slowly walked out of the curtain.
With sparkling black eyes, he fixed his gaze on the figure standing with his back facing the main hall and said, “In today’s world, if a king wants to choose his subjects, his subjects can also choose the king.”
“Gu has read all ten of the Master’s Water Ode. The local chronicle of Xiangyang written by the Master involves more than 300 entries on mountain and river topography, water conservancy, city defense, and plague prevention and control. The words are brilliant, and Gu is deeply impressed.”
“Gu would like to invite the Master to be Gu’s guest of honor. Would the Master like to serve Gu as a master?”
The official clearly did not expect that his Highness would step out of the curtain and quickly kneel on the ground.
Upon hearing the footsteps and sounds, Fan Zhou slowly turned around and looked up towards the main position, looking at the independent figure in front of the golden curtain.
He was stunned for a moment.
For a moment, he only felt the misty rain from Jiangnan converging into those clear black eyes.
He enjoys socializing and has traveled countless mountains and rivers, and he’s made countless friends with great-minded people. However, this is the cleanest pair of eyes he has ever seen in his life.
The young Crown Prince, with his green robe, stood solemnly in the flickering candlelight of the hall, gazing at him with determination and clarity.
Fan Zhou withdrew his eyes.
Restoring his composure, he smiled and said, “Your Highness’s offer is indeed very tempting. However, I also have one condition. If Your Highness is willing to agree, I can consider a little about coming to Lanxin Palace.”
The official couldn’t help but frown again.
He thought that even if the person in front of him is really Fan Shiyuan, he is also too arrogant.
Jiang Yun remained motionless and said, “The Master please speak.”
Fan Zhou’s gaze fell straight on the brush. “If Your Highness is willing to lend the Crown Prince token to the humble for seven days, regardless of its purpose, the humble will agree to Your Highness’s request.”
“This…”
The inner official was shocked and pale.
What’s the Crown Prince’s token? It’s a gift from His Majesty. It’s made by imperial decree. Upon seeing the token, it was as if the Crown Prince had personally arrived, with a weight second only to that of the King’s.
If this person carries his Highness’s token to commit murder and arson, wouldn’t his Highness have to bear all the responsibility in the end? His Highness is not favored by His Majesty, and now King Chu is jealous that his Highness has opened his own mansion. He is working hard to find out his Highness’s mistake. If he hands over such a big handle, it will be a mess!
“Gu promises.”
Just as the inner official was stirred up by turbulent waves and boundless anger, the young Crown Prince spoke up.
Three short words, as if they had the sound of gold and stone being thrown to the ground.
“Your Highness!”
The inner official had to raise his head to advise.
Jiang Yun had already taken out a sheepskin jade pendant with a glistening body, engraved with golden dark patterns from his sleeve, and handed it over to the inner official.
“Give it to Master Fan.”
The official could only stand up and present the jade pendant to Fan Zhou.
Fan Zhou was really stunned this time. He didn’t expect the young Crown Prince of Jiang to have such courage.
He picked the jade pendant up and casually put it into his sleeve, saying, “Your Highness, please prepare another fast horse and a bag of grain for me. Tonight, I will leave the Jiang capital.”
Jiang Yun told the inner officer to go handle it.
“Does the Master have any other requests?”
“No more.”
Fan Zhou left these two words, then let out a long laugh and carried the wine gourd out of the hall.
Jiang Yun did not return to the bedchamber to rest. When Fan Zhou left, he left the palace and stood under the eaves, gazing out at the distant sky.
There are several stars hanging in the sky, lonely and desolate, emitting faint starlight.
“Your Highness, Master Fan has already left the Jiang capital.” The inner official came over to report in a low voice.
Seeing that Jiang Yun had not spoken, the inner official couldn’t help but ask, “How can Your Highness be certain that he will return?”
Jiang Yun said, “Gu is not certain.”
The inner official was stunned.
The young Crown Prince continued, “However, the possibility of him coming back is a bit high.”
“How does Gu know that Gu will definitely lose if Gu doesn’t take a gamble?”
Even if he doesn’t come back, there’s still no problem.
He has lost a lot in his life and is not afraid of losing more.
He likes this crazy feeling.
Perhaps in this lifetime, words like stubbornness and freedom are destined to have nothing to do with him, but being able to taste this feeling in the cracks is also a great experience.
“Then what if His Majesty asks about the jade pendant?”
“Just say Gu accidentally lost it.”
Jiang Yun spoke lightly.
The inner official was even more stunned.
He always feels that his Highness’s behavior has changed too much since he recovered from his illness. His Highness used to be quiet and well behaved, which was highly praised and appreciated by the ministers.
Although his Highness has performed exceptionally well, His Majesty rarely praises him.
As the inner official was lost in thought, he suddenly heard his Highness ask again, “Are there any reports of war in Jiangbei recently?”
Unlike the stability in Jiangnan, Jiangbei has been in a state of intense war recently. The sixteen-year-old Crown Prince of Sui is leading the newly established iron cavalry to engage in a bloody battle with the desert northern Shahu cavalry.
If this battle goes smoothly, the entire northern desert will be included in the territory of the Sui Empire.
The inner official answered there is, but he has to go to the Ministry of War to get it.
Jiang Yun said, “Then go and pick it up early tomorrow morning. The ones since the seventh day of the month, Gu wants to read them all.”
“Yes.”
Jiang Yun returned to the bedchamber, slept briefly for an hour, and then got up to start a new day’s affairs. Just like yesterday, before dawn, the outside of the Lanxin Palace was already crowded with guests who had come to seek refuge.
Jiang Yun had a simple breakfast, and the inner official had already retrieved the recent battle reports from the Ministry of War in Jiangbei.
Jiang Yun still had to go to the entrance exam, so he ate the congee while reading it.
The inner official said on the sidelines, “After listening to discussions among several lords from the Ministry of War, it seems that the Shahu has been dominating the northern desert for decades. This time, it is likely that they have really encountered a tough situation, and their morale is approaching.”
“This Crown Prince of Sui is said to have a ferocious look. He is extremely fierce and violent. When fighting, he is even crazier and more brutal than the cavalry of Shahu. The leader of Shahu even gave that cavalry a nickname.”
“What name?”
Jiang Yun looked up.
“Blood Slaughter.”
As the inner official recited these two words, he felt a shiver of blood run down his spine.
Blood Slaughter.
Jiang Yun bowed his head again and took a mouthful of congee.
This bloody butcher’s knife can both slaughter the Shahu people and cross the Yellow River, aiming its blade towards Jiangnan.
If nothing unexpected happens, this person will soon become the strongest enemy of his life in the coming years or even decades.
He was somewhat envious of him. He was a young hero, unparalleled in his abilities, but he also knew that one day they would turn their swords towards each other and would not stop until they’re dead.
After finishing breakfast, Jiang Yun went to test the entrance exam as usual, and this sitting lasted another whole day.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
That evening, Jiang Yun sat behind a curtain with candles burning and finished the final entrance exam. Fan Zhou is still nowhere to be seen. In another hour, the city gates will be closed.
The inner official saw that his Highness was still sitting behind the curtain and had no intention of leaving. It was not until the sound of the curfew drums that he couldn’t bear to say, “The old servant will send Your Highness back to rest.”
“This Master Fan… perhaps won’t come back.”
Jiang Yun fell silent, gazing at the dark night outside the palace door, his eyes filled with tranquility. In an instant, he closed his book, got up, and headed towards the bedchamber.
After bathing, it’s almost midnight.
Jiang Yun changed into his sleeping robe and sat at the table as usual. After processing the newly delivered memorial during the day, he was about to rest when suddenly there was a hurried knocking on the door outside the bedchamber.
“Your Highness!”
The excited voice of the inner official echoed outside.
“Master Fan is back!”
The gate of Lanxin Palace opened in the middle of the night, with Jiang Yun dressed neatly and standing at the entrance, with heavy lights behind him.
Fan Zhou had changed into a cross-necked scholar’s robe, which was stained with blood, and was followed by two other scholar-like men. He was covered in dust and had two heads on his horse. He went to the palace gate and bowed down in front of Jiang Yun.
Jiang Yun quickly stood up and helped him up, looking at the two heads and asking, “What does the Master mean by this?”
“As Your Highness said, if the king wants to choose his subjects, the subjects can also choose the king.”
“This is the rebels’ Zhang Xin and Zhang Ao’s heads, and it is also a meeting gift presented to Your Highness.”
Zhang Xin and Zhang Ao are rebels who have been using the theory of the supernatural to cause chaos in the Jiangzhong area recently. Due to their expertise in guerrilla warfare, they appeared and disappeared mysteriously. Emperor Jiang sent troops to suppress them several times, but none of them were able to capture them.
Jiang Yun asked again, “Then who are these two people behind the Master?”
“They’re two of the subordinate’s fellow villagers, one named Shen Sheng and the other named Zhang Heng. Both of them are willing to defect to serve under Your Highness.”
The two of them saluted Jiang Yun at the same time.
Jiang Yun smiled and said, “Since you guys were recommended by Master Fan, Gu will never mistreat you.”
The news of Fan Zhou, Fan Shiyuan entering the Lanxin Palace spread throughout Jiangnan on the second day. At that moment, ambitious individuals from all over the country who were still holding a wait-and-see attitude towards the recruitment order rushed to the Lanxin Palace in the Jiang capital.
Fan Zhou followed Jiang Yun every day as a famous scholar who came to join the entrance examination and finally had the opportunity to witness the perseverance of this young Crown Prince. On a scorching summer day, he sat in the palace for less than half a day and was already feeling uncomfortable all over. However, the youth was able to maintain a calm posture, except for a brief rest… he remained calm all day.
At first, Fan Zhou still held an appreciative and scrutinizing attitude, but later on, he began to really worry about Jiang Yun’s health.
“Will your Highness be fine like this?”
During a halftime break, Fan Zhou couldn’t help but call the inner official and ask quietly.
The inner official let out a sigh.
“How’s it fine? His Highness is weak, and after a serious illness, he hasn’t rested much. Yesterday, when Deng Gong was delivering clothes to His Highness, he also found that His Highness has rash on his body, it’s most likely caused by the hot weather.”
“After returning yesterday, His Highness even showed some signs of heatstroke. He took two pills to clear and relieve the heat, which made him better. But he didn’t eat much for breakfast today.”
Fan Zhou frowned.
“How can this be? Is no one going to do anything about it?”
The inner official smiled bitterly.
“The Master is joking, His Highness has a noble status. As servants, who dares to interfere?”
“Besides, His Highness had no choice but to do so. His Majesty favors King Chu. Since childhood, His Highness has been very hardworking in both reading, studying, and other skills. Now that he has finally obtained the opportunity to open his own mansion, His Highness naturally can’t slack off.”
Fan Zhou was deep in thought.
Returning this day, Jiang Yun’s face turned pale, and he also had some heatstroke.
After taking the heat-relieving pill and sleeping for a while, it still didn’t improve. Deng Gong advised, “Master Fan is around, why don’t Your Highness take a day off?”
Jiang Yun shook his head and insisted on changing his clothes. When he arrived at the Wenhua Palace, which was used to assess the guests, he found that there was no one inside the palace, and Fan Zhou was no longer there. He asked the inner official what was going on.
The inner official said, “Master Fan said he has heatstroke and can’t get through it. The weather is still too hot, and many of the guests outside have also suffered from heatstroke. Master Fan will temporarily take everyone to avoid the heat for the time being so that Your Highness can rest as well.”
Jiang Yun smiled and didn’t say anything. He went back to the bedchamber but didn’t rest. Instead, he asked the inner official to continue to go to the Ministry of War to retrieve the battle report from Jiangbei.
The inner official dared not neglect and quickly returned with a stack of war reports, saying with a smile, “Your Highness seems to be very concerned about the situation in Jiangbei.”
Jiang Yun took them and calmly flipped through them, saying, “Know yourself and your enemy, you won’t be defeated in a hundred battles. Gu just wants to get to know the opponent in advance.”
Especially the wild wolf in full swing.
