Chapter 129: Side Story 2 – Wei Tan (Part 1)
Wei Tan (Part 1)
"In the severe famine of Xunyang, Governor of Xunyang Liu Shu urgently reports, requesting the court to allocate grain for relief." In the Kuangzheng Palace Hall, Da Sinong Zhu Min reported, and after speaking, handed over the official document to the palace attendant.
The Emperor sat on the imperial throne, receiving the official document.
"Xunyang," he reflected after reading it, pondering, "I recall that during the flooding this spring, Xunyang suffered the most."
"Indeed," Zhu Min responded, "During the spring floods, Xunyang experienced a complete crop failure on an area of 300,000 acres, leading to famine. If disaster relief is not provided promptly, there will be discontent among the people."
The Emperor remained silent but picked up another memorial document.
"Yangzhou is also experiencing famine. Yushi accuses the governor of Yangzhou, Gongyang Gui, of neglecting the welfare of the people and engaging in extensive construction projects." After saying this, he instructed the palace attendant to hand the memorial to Zhu Min, and asked, "What are Qing thoughts on this?"
Zhu Min took the memorial, looked it over, and understood the situation.
Gongyang Gui, a year before the Emperor's coronation, was appointed as the Intendant of Yangzhou. Over the next three years, he achieved remarkable governance. Consequently, the Emperor appointed him as the Governor of Yangzhou to administer the region. This famine wasn't confined to Xunyang alone; its impact extended across much of the eastern Jiangnan region, including Yangzhou. Zhu Min had heard of the accusations against Gongyang Gui by the Imperial Censor, but he had his suspicions. He had someone investigate the number of people displaced in Yangzhou due to the disaster. Oddly, compared to other provinces, the figures were surprisingly low.
Zhu Min, with clear insight, immediately responded, "Chen has heard that what is referred to as extensive construction projects is, in fact, the Governor of Yangzhou encouraging wealthy households in the province to build houses. Additionally, he has used both government relief funds and privately collected donations to construct bridges and open channels. Tens of thousands of people are employed daily, and the citizens earn their sustenance through labor. This is why Yangzhou remains stable."
The Emperor nodded and said, "Indeed, Zhen believes this strategy is feasible. The waterway in Jiangdong have been neglected for many years, and the canal is not smooth, causing water shortages and droughts. Zhen intended to emulate the approach of Yangzhou, mobilizing the people in the east of the river to dredge the waterways and promote water conservation. It can be a beneficial endeavor. However, One just wonders about the current state of the granaries. How are they?"
After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Min responded, "In the past two years, the granaries across the regions were plentiful, and there was no need to worry about insufficient funds for requisitions. However, the ongoing construction of the city walls and Imperial Palaces in Chang'an has been draining substantial resources. If we further invest heavily in mobilizing manpower in Jiangdong, it might strain the national treasury."
"Halt the construction in Chang'an for now," the Emperor declared. "Once the affairs in Jiangdong are settled, we can resume the building projects."
Zhu Min's mind settled, and he bowed to the Emperor, saying, "One humbly complies."
The Emperor, together with his courtiers, carefully assigned various tasks and instructed the Chief Secretary to draft an imperial edict.
Just as the gathering dispersed, the Emperor was about to rise when the Zongzheng arrived.
Zongzheng, being an elder in the Emperor's family, received considerable respect from the Emperor. However, he rarely got involved in state affairs. Seeing him, the Emperor sensed that something unusual would happen today.
"In recent days, Zhen heard that Bofu's health is not well, and Zhen intended to visit the residence to offer regards," the Emperor said with a smile after ordering a seat for him through the attendants. "Unexpectedly, Bofu has come in person. One wonders if Bofu's health has improved?"
"Bixia is benevolent, Chen is in good health," Zongzheng said with a bow from his seat. "One has come today, to discuss an important matter."
"Oh?" the Emperor inquired, "What is the matter?"
Zongzheng remained silent, his gaze fixed on the hall.
Understanding, the Emperor dismissed the attendants on either side.
"Bixia," Zongzheng smiled, "throughout history, the most crucial matter for a sovereign is the heir. With Bixia having ascended the throne for five years, the realm in tranquility, it is time to fill up the Imperial Harem. Chen has heard that Huanghou (The Empress) intends to release some of the older palace attendants. Perhaps, Bixia could consider selecting a consort while admitting the new palace attendant, to align with heavenly harmony."
The Emperor looked at Zongzheng, his smile unwavering.
"This matter, is it Zongzheng's wish?" he asked.
Zongzheng hurriedly replied, "It is not only Chen's intention. During Chen's previous illness at home, One discussed this matter with court officials who has come visited, and they all believed it to be feasible. Bixia is currently prosperous and mighty, yet the Imperial Harem has only Huanghou. For the sake of future heirs, we humbly request Bixia to expand the Imperial Harem.'"
The Emperor leaned on the desk and slowly said, "Zhen already has two sons and one daughter; the heirs are sufficient."
Zongzheng said, "Bixia's words are not accurate. In the previous dynasty, Emperor Gao had fourteen sons, and for three hundred years thereafter, the Imperial Family thrived. The imperial succession is crucial to the fate of the nation; One implores Bixia to reconsider."
"After the demise of Emperor Gao, his four sons contended for power, and the stability of the nation was almost lost. Even in more recent times, Emperor Ling had many sons, leading to chaos and struggles for the throne." The Emperor's expression remained unchanged, "The rise and fall of the nation lies in governance. Zhen understands Zongzheng's intentions, but there is no need to discuss this matter further."
Although spoken with a gentle tone, these words left little room for refusal.
Zongzheng considered offering more persuasion, but observing the Emperor's expression, he dared not speak further. He could only exchange a few pleasantries before departing with a disappointed sigh.
The hall finally quieted down, devoid of attendants. The Emperor gazed outside the hall and let out a gentle sigh.
"Come out," he said.
There was no response.
"Ah Mi, do you want Fuqin to catch you?" He picked up a teacup and took a sip.
Rustling sounds emerged, and shortly after, a small head peeked out from behind the screen behind the imperial throne. When those bright eyes met the Emperor's gaze, the little girl's tender face lit up with a pleasing expression as she said,"Fuqin..."
The Emperor, with a resigned expression, set down the teacup and extended a hand towards her.
The girl instantly smiled and rushed towards him. The Emperor embraced her warmly, holding her close.
"How long have you been eavesdropping in the hall?" The Emperor patted his daughter's sweaty, damp hair. "Did you go to play? In the palace gardens?"
Ah Mi, however, did not answer. She looked up at him and asked, "Fuqin, what does it mean to expand the Imperial Harem?"
The Emperor chuckles.
"What do you think?" He didn't answer directly but spoke gently, "Haven't you learned the Book of Rites?"
Ah Mi thought for a moment and said, "Is it like what Zhong Mao Shufu did, giving several stepmothers for Biaoxiong?"
The Emperor found it funny in his heart but restrained his expression, looking at her. "That's right. What does Ah Mi think?"
Ah Mi pouted and asserted decisively, "No! Ah Mi wants only one mother!"
The Emperor couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
"What's happening in the palace gardens today?" He shifted the topic, "Your Biaoxiongs haven't entered the palace yet. Who is playing with you?"
"A lot of animals have been brought to the garden!" Speaking of the palace gardens, Ah Mi's displeasure immediately vanished from her face. Excitedly, she continued, "There are deer, cranes, and even those kinds of small ducks!"
"Ducks?" The Emperor chuckled. "Those are mandarin ducks. When did you see them?"
"I saw them early in the morning!" Ah Mi said. "After having breakfast, I heard that..." She abruptly stopped, looking at the Emperor's still-smiling face, unable to continue her sentence.
"After breakfast?" The Emperor said nonchalantly. "Weren't you supposed to attend the lessons given by Nǚshi?"
"I did go!" Ah Mi hurriedly said, "I memorized all the lessons Nǚshi gave yesterday, so Nǚshi allowed me to go to the palace gardens!"
Those eyes looked at the Emperor, wide open, truly resembling someone who felt greatly wronged.
The Emperor remained unfazed and asked, "What did Nǚshi ask you to memorize?"
Ah Mi thought for a moment and replied, "The Book of Rites."
"Oh?" The Emperor was interested. "Recite it for Fuqin."
Ah Mi hesitated for a moment, seeming a bit uncertain. After a brief pause, she thought about it and decided to start reciting, "The so-called attainment of knowledge, lies in the investigation of things. To express and attain knowledge, one has to examine things, and thoroughly explore their principles. Um... The spirit covered by the heart is not without knowledge, and everything in the world... Um... Everything in the world is not without reason. Only within reason there is no....."
The Emperor looked at her slightly furrowed brow, her thoughtful expression, and the look she had as she was in deep contemplation, was the look he had seen before.
He sighed inwardly. This daughter of his, although everyone claimed she resembled him in appearance, her temperament totally took after her mother. For instance, she doesn’t like reading.
He recalled the past when her mother first read in front of him, her eyes fixed on the characters on the pages with a similarly perplexed expression. And how was he at that time? The Emperor reminisced, feeling that he must have been like a fool, gazing intently at his beautiful lady. That kind of emotion seemed to linger even now.
The Emperor couldn't help but laugh at himself.
He looked outside the palace, where the sunlight was gentle, and the sky revealed a deep blue hue beneath the eaves.
It's been about fifteen years, hasn't it?
He often wondered, what if, on that afternoon, he hadn't gone to the city?
During that time, no one addressed him as "Bixia."
He was just the son of a cavalry captain, having recently arrived in Chang'an with his father and not yet adopted a courtesy name.
His mother was frail, and shortly after arriving in Chang'an, she passed away, leaving him with only a younger brother.
Wei Tan's mother had a fondness for porcelain, and she passed on her appreciation to him.
He still remembered the day when he happened to pass through the East Market, and his eyes lit up upon seeing a plum blossom bottle cradling on a vendor's arms by the roadside.
And when he went to inquire about the price, his eyes, involuntarily, kept glancing at the vendor's face.
It was an exceptionally beautiful face. Smooth and fair skin, under the sunlight, with a faint blush on the cheeks.
From Luoyang to Chang'an, Wei Tan had seen many beautiful young men, but the one before him now was a woman disguised as a man. She seemed oblivious to the fact that her secret had been discovered, still adopting the mannerisms of a young man, as if bolstering her courage to navigate the city streets.
After that incident, Wei Tan sometimes, upon seeing porcelain vases, would occasionally recall the appearance of that vendor and find it funny.
Chang'an was much larger than Luoyang, and Wei Tan had many more responsibilities to attend to.
For example, when the Emperor issued a decree to select young Yulin Guards from the aristocratic youths, Wei Tan was eager to give it a try.
And another example, when Wei Tan's Zufu had arranged a marriage for him with a young lady from a high ranking family named Xu Ping...
And that chance encounter in the market, like a grain of sand in the vast sea, was quickly forgotten by him.
With Wei Tan's mother and Zufu passing away one after another, he was in mourning period and couldn't marry. The arranged marriage set by his Zufu had to be put on hold.
Wei Tan wasn't in a hurry because he believed that establishing a career was a prerequisite for starting a family, and he felt the need to make a name for himself first.
The Emperor placed great importance on the young Yulin Guards, not only granting them the same stipends as the Imperial Guards but also intending to promote talented individuals from their ranks. Although the selection was primarily from the aristocratic and affluent families, there were also many ambitious youths who aspired to join.
Wei Tan, born into a prestigious family, progressed smoothly through the various rounds of the competition. In the final match, his opponent was a fair-faced young man with a thick beard. Wei Tan saw his pretty face and immediately knew that he was from a wealthy family, so he didn’t pay much attention at first. However, as the bouts unfolded, it became evident that this man possessed exceptional agility. In several instances, Wei Tan struggled to counter his moves, forcing him to be on high alert. In the end, despite the opponent's skilled maneuvers, he lacked the strength to match Wei Tan and was defeated, falling to the ground.
The onlookers cheered enthusiastically as Wei Tan and the young man, one standing and the other lying down, exchanged breaths while glaring at each other. After staring for a while, the man wiped the sweat from his face and slowly got up.
"Your name is Wei Tan?"
Wei Tan looked up and replied, "Indeed."
The man looked at him and suddenly smiled. In the sunlight, his teeth were like strung pearls, and his brows, eyes, and overall countenance sparkled with vitality.
"Do you have some free time for the coming days?" he asked.
Wei Tan was puzzled by his intent.
"At the same time(as today), two days from now, at the northern drill ground by Xuanwu Lake. We shall compete again." The man didn't wait for his response, leaving Wei Tan with these words before departing on his own.
Although Wei Tan didn't like being commanded, he also disliked being underestimated. When the appointed time arrived, he went to Xuanwu Lake. However, upon seeing the person waiting there, he was genuinely surprised.
It was Pei Qian.
While Wei Tan had not been in Chang'an for long, he had heard of Pei Qian's name. Wherever he went, people would mention this young man who was highly regarded in the capital. However, Wei Tan had little interest in those scholars who only indulged in empty talk. Even if he happened to encounter them at gatherings, he never bothered to join in the revelry.
The man with the beard turned out to be Pei Qian.
Despite knowing the other's identity, Wei Tan showed no mercy and continued to exert his full strength. By the time the sun set, both of them were covered in numerous bruises. Pei Qian and Wei Tan exchanged a hearty laugh and, from that point on, they became good friends.
Pei Qian, despite his reputation, was modest and approachable. He had a fascination with swordsmanship and often sparred with Wei Tan, holding a deep admiration for Wei Tan's martial skills.
Wei Tan also greatly appreciated Pei Qian. Despite his scholarly demeanor, Pei Qian lacked the ostentation and snobbish attitude typical of pampered young lad. His views on certain matters were also similar to Wei Tan's.
Once, during a game of cuju, Pei Qian took off his sweaty shirt and gave instructions. Wei Tan noticed a red mark on his arm that looked like the imprint of fingers.
Others saw it too and laughed, "Jiyuan, which fierce lady is so fierce?"
Pei Qian glanced down, nonchalantly saying, "No lady at all, just scratches from a wild cat."
Someone teased, "Jiyuan, does that wild cat have the surname Fu?"
Laughter erupted from the crowd, and Pei Qian joined in, showing no signs of annoyance, and continued playing cuju with the others.
When the mention of "surname Fu" came up, Wei Tan understood. He had heard earlier that when Pei Qian was eleven, he had been engaged to the youngest daughter of the Fu Situ family. Both families were prominent in Chang'an, and the match was considered quite suitable.
Wei Tan had not met Pei Qian's fiancée and only knew that she was several years younger than Pei Qian. Although Pei Qian had never mentioned it to him, Wei Tan was aware that Pei Qian held affection for his fiancée. This was evident from the small peach charm hanging around Pei Qian's neck, with "潜" (Qian) written on one side and the character "嫤" (Jin) on the other.
*****
The roster of the young Yulin Guards was finally posted, and Wei Tan's name was prominently listed without any suspense. His father was delighted, even going so far as to give him a courtesy name in advance—Meng Jing.
The first time Wei Tan stood guard at the palace gates, he stood before the towering entrance, observing the majestic palace structures layered one upon another. Sunlight streamed through the clouds, casting a glow upon him, and he felt an immediate sense of expansiveness in his heart.
It was under this same light that the ornate jade-adorned carriage approached him. Passing through a distant city gate, its wheels rolled over bricks and stones, emitting a low, rumbling sound like distant thunder.
As the newly appointed sergeant, Wei Tan, full of youthful vigor, insisted on inspecting the occupant of the carriage. The attendant guiding the carriage was displeased, explaining that the noble lady inside had been summoned by the Empress Dowager.
In the midst of this standoff, the carriage curtain suddenly parted.
Wei Tan was momentarily stunned when he saw the girl inside with her hair intricately adorned.
Her face was exquisitely crafted, with bright, expressive eyes and lips like flower petals. The girl remained composed and unhurried, merely gazing at Wei Tan. "Now that you've seen, can we proceed?"
Wei Tan wasn't sure how he had stepped aside or allowed passage. When he regained his senses, the carriage had already moved far away.
"Meng Jing." An older Yulin Guard approached with a cheerful smile, patting Wei Tan on the shoulder. "That's the Nǔjun from Fu Situ family. The Empress Dowager dotes on her greatly. If you encounter her again, make sure not to offend her."
As Wei Tan listened to the advice, his mind was occupied with other thoughts.
That face, that demeanor, he always felt like he had seen it somewhere before. Wei Tan racked his brain, feeling the answer on the tip of his tongue but unable to recall where he had encountered her.
It wasn't until he returned home and saw the porcelain bottle in the corner that he suddenly realized.
The market vendor who had disguised herself as a man was looking at him in the same manner, mimicking the rough voice of a man: "Without a hundred coins, don't walk in Chang'an. This plum blossom bottle of mine, I'm selling it for a hundred and fifty coins!"
Wei Tan, with a free-spirited nature since childhood, had roamed both Luoyang and Chang'an. What others found to be extraordinary tales, he often considered as nothing particularly noteworthy.
However, the matter of the Fu Situ’s family’s Nǚjun occupied his thoughts for several days.
She hailed from a noble family, lived a pampered life, had an influential Yi Zumu like the Empress Dowager, and a fiancé like Pei Qian. Why would such a woman disguise herself and peddle goods in the market?
Given the constraints of her lifestyle, it seemed impossible that she would do it out of necessity. So, was it a hobby?
The more Wei Tan thought about it, the more he found it both amusing and perplexing. Some people were inclined toward literature, others toward martial arts, some had a penchant for craftsmanship, and others for extraordinary pursuits. However, encountering a noble lady who enjoyed blending into the market crowd was a first for him.
Did Pei Qian know? Wei Tan was curious, but he wasn't one to pry, preferring not to reveal what he had discovered.
Jin. Wei Tan recalled the character on Pei Qian's neck charm, and that was the word.
After that incident, Wei Tan encountered Fu Jin's carriage a few more times. However, he didn't stop it again, only checking the credentials and letting it pass. Of course, the person inside the carriage didn't unveil the curtain to look at him again.
*****
"Meng Jing, there's a lady looking for you!" One day, as he was coming down from his shift at the palace gate, someone loudly called out to him, pausing before adding, "Not the one from last time!"
His fellow Yulin Guards burst into laughter.
Wei Tan gave them a helpless glare, walked over, and indeed found an unfamiliar woman.
"Are you Wei Tan?" The woman, holding a silk fan, spoke in the delicate yet haughty tone of a privileged Chang'an lady.
"That’s right," Wei Tan replied, feeling puzzled as he didn't recognize the woman.
The woman, who seemed to be smiling behind her fan, handed him a small item. "Xu Zizi asked me to give this to you," she said before turning and walking away.
Wei Tan stood in place, opening the item to find a hairpin.
Xu Ping. It was only then that he recalled the woman who wore a hairpin adorned with a depiction of the flower Yumeiren —the fiancée he had yet to formally engage.
Wei Tan and Xu Ping's Zufus were old friends, and their marriage had been arranged by the two elders.
When Wei Tan and Xu Ping first met, she was quite shy. After Wei Tan joined the Yulin Guards, although he couldn't return home frequently, their encounters increased. The Emperor and Empress often hosted gatherings and festivities in the palace for officials and their families. Sometimes, passing through the Imperial Garden, Wei Tan would spot Xu Ping among those noble ladies, looking at him from a distance and occasionally sharing a smile.
His colleagues in the Yulin Guards, born into wealth and well-versed in social niceties, often teased Wei Tan and Xu Ping when they observed their interactions.
"Meng Jing turns out to favor Xu Shaofu’s family," someone remarked.
Wei Tan just smiled, neither confirming nor denying. He held great respect for his Zufu, and he had no objections to a matter that had been arranged by the elders. Honestly, Xu Ping was not only beautiful but also gentle in temperament, and with her noble lineage, Wei Tan couldn't think of any reason to oppose the arrangement.
As for the word "liking," Wei Tan felt that he and Xu Ping got along well enough, and as long as there was no aversion, that was akin to liking. In matters of parental decree and matchmaking, the fact that two people who didn't know each other could become a couple without finding fault with each other was considered a good thing.
*****
"Meng Jing, are you free tomorrow?" Pei Qian asked as soon as he saw Wei Tan.
"What's the matter?" Wei Tan felt that there was something unusual about Pei Qian seeking him out.
Pei Qian gave a wry smile and glanced around. "There's something, and at the moment, only you can help me."
Wei Tan was surprised; Pei Qian was indeed referring to Fu Jin's matter.
Pei Qian didn't hide Fu Jin's penchant for peddling goods and told Wei Tan that in the past, every time Fu Jin went out, her second brother would personally follow her or send someone to accompany her to prevent any mishaps.
"Now that Zhongxun Xiong (brother) is not in the capital, I also have pressing matters tomorrow and can't leave. This matter is difficult to talk about, and I dare not inform anyone other than those I trust. Upon consideration, One can only come to ask for your help." Pei Qian seemed quite embarrassed.
Wei Tan looked at him, still feeling surprised, but soon he smiled. "What's so difficult about this? Jiyuan, rest assured."