Liang Rong was born in Gaodu, entered school in Lu City, and now, in Shangdang, he had to take care of his father’s fiefdom, with a significance that was different.
However, this time, returning alone, everything seemed to have changed.
“Young Master Rong, all ten counties are ready, just waiting for the grains to ripen, and we can start harvesting. The weather has been favorable this year, and it’s sure to be a bountiful year.” Guo Jiao, with a face full of smiles, presented several land registers.
Facing this slightly obsequious Shangdang Historian, Liang Rong nodded slightly and took the registers. Now Liang Rong had also started to learn about land registers, knowing that this Historian Guo, despite the surname Guo, had no significant connection to the Guo family in Jinyang, but came from a humble background. It was only because of his father’s appreciation that he steadily rose to the position of a historian.
Such a person could be trusted, for sure. However, Liang Rong always felt a bit awkward around him. Being welcomed into the city was understandable, but following him closely, attending to every detail, was different. The enthusiasm in his attitude was almost sycophantic.
The first few times Liang Rong met him, he didn’t feel this way. Could it be that something happened in the county, and they wanted to hide it?
Liang Rong was no longer the ignorant child left at home by his father. This time, he truly needed to inspect the affairs of the county; he couldn’t afford to be negligent. Though puzzled, he suppressed his curiosity and instructed people to carefully examine the most critical aspects of the autumn harvest.
This matter was intricate, and haste would not solve it. Liang Rong patiently followed the subordinates, inquiring about each detail. However, after careful scrutiny, he found no faults. On the contrary, Guo Jiao’s actions were very prudent, adhering to the regulations left by Cui Ji, and there were no apparent mistakes.
Why would a bureaucrat like him be so obsequious? Could it be because of his humble background?
Unable to clarify the situation, Liang Rong had to continue with the current affairs at hand. In Shangdang, Guo Jiao managed internal and external affairs, but the workshops and the military had someone else in charge. The military affairs were handled by Captain Chen, who also belonged to the Liang family’s retinue, and appeared steady and competent. The person in charge of the workshops was an acquaintance.
“Hushi!” Seeing the woman waiting outside the hall, Liang Rong stood up excitedly. He was already quite intelligent, and as he grew older, he became even more mature and composed in front of others. However, when he saw his hushi, who had raised him since childhood, he couldn’t contain himself, taking three steps in two and eagerly went forward to greet her.
Liang Rong’s emotions surged, and there were glistening tears in Ao Yu’s eyes as well. Rong’er was raised by her, and the time they spent together exceeded even that with her biological son. After being apart for so long, she naturally missed him. Despite this, she didn’t lose her composure. She first bowed and paid her respects, saying, “This servant has seen Young Master Rong.”
“Hushi, please rise quickly!” Liang Rong hurriedly approached, using both hands to help Ao Yu stand. Seizing this opportunity, he carefully observed her appearance. Perhaps reaching middle age, Ao Yu’s figure had become fuller, her face was rosy and radiant, showing no signs of exhaustion or fatigue from official duties.
Slightly relieved, Liang Rong inquired, “Is Hushi’s health well? How is everything at home? Is brother Xi not around?”
“Everything is fine.” Ao Yu smiled, holding Liang Rong’s small hands. “Xi has just entered the county school, and these days he’s busy with his studies. Why did Young Master Rong come back alone?”
“My father asked me to inspect on his behalf,” Liang Rong explained, guiding Ao Yu to take a seat at the table. “Since Brother Xi is attending school, why not let him enter the Chongwen Academy? I’ll discuss it with my father, and he will surely agree.”
It wouldn’t be much trouble to have his son, Sun Xi, enter the Chongwen Academy. However, Ao Yu had thought it through; having broken the convention to become an official in the workshops, it would be ostentatious for her son, who shared the same nurse with Liang Rong, to enter the Chongwen Academy. The county school in Shangdang was an excellent choice, and there was no need for unnecessary attention.
But Ao Yu wouldn’t say this explicitly; she simply smiled and said, “Xi is still young; it’s better for him to be by my side.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Rong’s expression dimmed slightly, “In fact, Hushi could accompany me to Jinyang. The affairs in the workshops are busy now, and there’s no need for Hushi to worry.”
This statement wasn’t the first time Liang Rong had made. Ao Yu immediately adopted a serious expression, saying, “The Marquis values me greatly, how could Ao Yu lightly avoid it? Besides, the workshops have long-established practices, and with the oversight of the Workshop Superintendent, this servant only deals with some accounts and documents. Young Master Rong need not worry.”
The workshops were currently under the management of the Workshop Superintendent, with overall development controlled by Jinyang. Details were delegated to various principals. Ao Yu resembled more of an administrative official, responsible for record-keeping and supervision, with instructions issued from above. When Liang Feng appointed her, he even left two trusted maids, Cang Lan and Cai Wei. These two had served in the study for a long time, conducting themselves with experience, and were a great assistance to Ao Yu.
However, Ao Yu deeply understood that she could ascend to this position only because there was a shortage of personnel in the household at that time. Otherwise, with her humble identity as a wet nurse, she would never have received such significant utilization. Was it better to return to Liang Rong’s side, enjoying a nominal title, or to stay in Shangdang, holding a crucial position? She naturally understood the choice.
Seeing Ao Yu so resolute, Liang Rong didn’t insist any further and could only say, “If Hushi encounters any difficulties, you can write to me. Hushi has raised me, and Rong’er will always remember this gratitude.”
Ao Yu smiled in response, but she had no intention of recklessly abusing her status. In her current position, she was being watched by many; being cautious and discreet was the way to navigate life. The relationship with Liang Rong couldn’t change, and this rare friendship couldn’t be squandered. Only when her son matured and took over her position would her lineage soar, rather than just enjoying a brief period of prosperity in this lifetime.
With their already close relationship and the rare opportunity to meet, the two chatted for a long time. Ao Yu then had someone bring the workshop account books. Liang Rong, still mindful of his duties, carefully examined them. Finding no discrepancies, he felt a sense of relief. Yet, Ao Yu didn’t slack off; she personally led Liang Rong to inspect the workshops below.
Similarly, Guo Jiao wouldn’t miss this rare opportunity. He frequently accompanied Liang Rong, not only keeping him company but also taking advantage of the county school’s examination to have Liang Rong revisit familiar places. If Gaodu were not situated on the front lines and deemed unsafe, he might have suggested accompanying Liang Rong for a visit near the Liang residence.
During this month, Liang Rong became busier than ever before. He met numerous people, observed many things, and learned about many unheard-of matters. When the autumn harvest was completely finished, he returned to Jinyang with the caravan.
After more than a month of absence, upon seeing his father again, Liang Rong could hardly contain his longing and ran straight to him, saying, “Father!”
Liang Feng smiled as he glanced at his son’s face. “Lost some weight. How was this trip?”
“Fortunate not to disgrace your trust!” Liang Rong proudly replied, “I visited many places, thoroughly inspecting each one. Shangdang is well-governed, and this year’s harvest is excellent, ensuring the people’s well-being.”
These were all foreseeable outcomes, so Liang Feng didn’t delve into details. Instead, he asked, “How many death row prisoners are in the prison? Have any wrongful cases been discovered?”
“Ah?” Liang Rong stood there in a daze. Wasn’t he here for the autumn harvest? Death row prisoners? No one had mentioned that to him!
“What about disasters and epidemics? Insects, frost, drought, floods. Have there been any areas with reduced production or population?” Liang Feng continued.
“I… I didn’t check…” Liang Rong’s forehead was covered in sweat. He had only inquired about the increase in population and farmland, ensured that each county was ready for the autumn harvest, and asked about tax-related matters. But details about reduced production or casualties? No one had briefed him on that!
“What about the officials and scholars you met? How did they perform?” Liang Feng didn’t scold; instead, he changed the topic.
“Hushi was most diligent, keeping meticulous records of documents and accounts, and there were no discrepancies in the workshops. Historian Guo handled his duties competently, without any omissions. And in the county school, there are several scholars with excellent poetry and impressive equestrian skills. I noted down their names.” Liang Rong genuinely put in the effort and replied in detail.
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng laughed, “Why did you mention Ao Yu first before bringing up Guo Jiao?”
Liang Rong blushed, “Hushi has been very kind to me and fulfilled her duties responsibly. That’s why I mentioned her first. As for Historian Guo… I always feel that he is a bit too flattering…”
“Did you think Guo Jiao was a flatterer before?” Liang Feng asked in return.
“Not really,” Liang Rong answered quickly this time.
“How about Ao Yu? Is her behavior towards you the same as before?” Liang Feng continued to inquire.
“It seems a bit different?” Liang Rong recalled for a long time before sighing, “Perhaps it’s because I’ve grown up; Hushi doesn’t treat me as affectionately as she did when I was a child.”
“But she has become more respectful?” Liang Feng smiled.
After contemplating for a moment, Liang Rong had to nod in agreement, “How did Father know?”
“Because of your identity on this trip.” Liang Feng no longer kept it mysterious and revealed the answer, “In the past, you were just my youngest son trailing behind me. But this time, you are inspecting political affairs in Shangdang on my behalf. How do you think others would react when the only son of the Duke begins to handle state affairs? It doesn’t matter that you’re not yet ten years old…”
“Age doesn’t matter; what matters is what you represent.” Liang Feng patiently explained, “You are my only son and the sole heir to this vast family business. In ten or twenty years, all these people will be your subordinates, looking up to you. How would you treat someone who holds the power to decide your family’s fate? Any level of flattery and servitude would be justified!”
As if a finger had pierced through the barrier, Liang Rong suddenly woke up to why Guo Jiao had undergone such a change. Perhaps in front of his father, this Historian had always been so humble and subservient, willing to be as obedient as an ox or horse. But this demeanor had never been displayed in front of Liang Rong himself.
“And those who are even smarter will find other ways to win your favor,” Liang Feng continued, “whether through past favors, childhood bonds, or even showcasing their skills based on your preferences. If they can earn a moment of your affection, the benefits will be endless. All of this is just to ensure that you can mention them in front of me. What’s happening now is just a prelude. When you hold power, how much effort do you think they will put in?”
Liang Rong couldn’t sit still anymore. He realized that those people he remembered might not be a coincidence but a deliberate attempt to catch his attention. What about Hushi? He didn’t think her care for him was insincere!
“Could it be that there will be no one who genuinely treats me in the future?” Liang Rong involuntarily raised his voice.
“Genuine affection will certainly exist, but it will be slightly different from what you imagine. It is loyalty, respect, and love, but distinctions arise due to status,” Liang Feng explained, pausing. “A king refers to himself as alone, an emperor as bereaved. It is as simple as that.”
As if a bell had rung in his ears, Liang Rong understood the profound meaning of his father’s words. What does being alone and bereaved mean? It simply means there are differences in status. No one would consider themselves a true friend to the emperor. Being loyal and fulfilling one’s duty is the duty of a subject. This will accompany him throughout his life. Formerly close mentors, beloved playmates, will eventually become clearly delineated sovereign and subject. Indulgence is not allowed, nor is transgression.
At this moment, a chill pervaded the air, freezing Liang Rong’s marrow. “Then, Father, can I still trust those people?”
“Yes.” Liang Feng answered decisively like a pickaxe breaking through the ice. “Not only can you trust them, but you can also love and cherish them. However, you must learn to discern. Who treats you with sincerity, fulfilling their duty with loyalty? Who pours out love without wavering in this lifetime? You must not confuse the two. The trust from the previous dynasty and the favoritism of the inner chambers must each have their place. Just like the Duke of Wei who divided the peach.”
The Duke of Wei might not have had good moral character, but he never let his favored individuals disrupt the affairs of the state. In this aspect, he surpassed countless monarchs.
Liang Rong remained silent for a moment before speaking softly, “What about those who flatter, like Guo Jiao…”
Liang Feng chuckled, “In the future, eight or nine out of ten people you encounter will flatter you. They will use various methods to sing your praises and win your favor. What you hear will all be auspicious signs, just like any wise ruler governing the world, enjoying favorable weather and abundant harvests every year. Guo Jiao is just a bit more shallow in his methods, but how is he different from others?”
Liang Rong couldn’t find the words to respond. Indeed, he had spent a month in Shangdang and hadn’t noticed anything amiss. But was Shangdang truly as stable as it seemed? It might not be so.
“However, you don’t need to reject these people too much. The most important thing is to observe their actions. Guo Jiao is a competent Historian, and that is enough. If you encounter courtiers who dare to offer advice, pointing out shortcomings, it is even more important not to alienate them. Those with the courage to speak so candidly are more reliable and useful than those with eloquent words…”
Seeing Liang Rong’s small face wrinkling up, Liang Feng stopped and reached out to pull him onto his lap. “These things may be too profound and too harsh for you, but you don’t need to worry too much. People are not plants; who can be without emotion? Love the loyal ministers and distance yourself from the villains. It sounds easy, but who doesn’t want to hear some comforting words and live happily? When that time comes, you can still do as you please. Just like Duke Ling, just like Emperor Wu of Han. Just don’t forget what you bear on your shoulders.”
Nestled in the warm embrace of his father, Liang Rong’s tightly wound heart slightly relaxed. Regardless of how difficult the road ahead might be, he still had his father. And this man would continue, as always, to dispel the fog and illuminate the path for him.
Was Father being with General Yi also because of this? Because General Yi could make Father happy?
With such a heavy burden on his shoulders, why bother caring about those trivial matters…
Liang Rong shifted and snuggled tightly in that embrace. “Father also has me.”
Liang Feng was momentarily surprised, then chuckled, “That’s right, Father also has Rong’er.”
As long as there was this bit of warmth, what did the other hardships matter?
