Chapter 29, The Twenty-Nine-Point Resentment (Two chapters combined, feelings...)
Qi Chengming had a pleasant evening study session.
It refers to Qin, the classmate who stayed with him in the study until dark.
"Thank you for your hard work today. Take this copy back with you..." Qi Chengming paused for a few seconds after saying this.
He copied it out for Qin Liusong to learn, which seemed to be misunderstood by the latter, who treated the copy with great care and affection. Furthermore, Qin Liusong's attitude towards reading was very focused and eager, even his posture was very upright and dignified, displaying the standard gentlemanly demeanor in every gesture.
Qi Chengming felt that Mr. Qin was more deserving of this description than his elder brother.
In short, this is an ancient academic genius who made Qi Chengming enjoy his studies that day. That's why they say studying depends on the atmosphere. There were many study rooms on the streets before time travel.
He was now hesitant, wondering if he should invite Qin Liusong or Huang Dong to study with him for the next few days...?
There seems to be no reason for doing this so suddenly.
"Your Highness, I have a request," Mr. Qin unexpectedly said first, his expression filled with admiration and even deeper respect. "There are many difficult points in the new knowledge in this manuscript, and I hope Your Highness can give me some guidance in your spare time."
This was Qin Liusong's way of trying to improve the relationship between the emperor and his ministers.
...But at the same time, this is also his true thought.
During the afternoon they spent together, he gained a much better understanding of the new emperor. It turned out that the future emperor had such a strong memory, and he was also very familiar with all the new knowledge in the copy he had memorized. This was something that Qin Liusong had only just realized when the prince casually answered his question when he was stumped by something obscure and difficult.
This intimidated Qin Liusong.
At such an early stage... how could the new ruler know so much? He's still diligently studying, preparing for his journey to his fiefdom. If Qin Liusong himself were to be assigned to Lingnan, could he maintain such a positive attitude and be so proactive in learning how to improve his fiefdom?
Absolutely not!
With such a resilient character, a love of learning and humility, and a respect for the virtuous and talented, and being a prince... if he doesn't become a beloved and wise new ruler, who else would be worthy of his loyalty?
"Okay." Qi Chengming agreed readily, feeling quite pleased. "I will clean up the cabin next door separately. Mr. Qin and Mr. Huang, if you have any questions, feel free to come over anytime, just like this afternoon."
Qi Chengming plans to set up a "study room." He'd better not allow anyone else into his study.
Although there was nothing inside that was truly off-limits to others, it was his personal property and private space. Since arriving in ancient times, Qi Chengming had become very sensitive about distance and privacy, and he hadn't fully gotten used to it yet.
Fortunately, Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi were always willing to indulge him, leaving him alone outside the study.
The next day arrived.
The wreckage of the Bai family's large ship next door had been towed away and cleared away, and everything seemed to have returned to normal. Qi Chengming took Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi ashore to stroll around the county town during the day, and it wasn't until almost evening that they stepped into Chunyuan Pavilion—another restaurant under the Bai family's name, and the largest in Wuling County.
Qi Chengming paid special attention when he entered.
The flow of people was constant, the lobby was packed with people, and business was booming. A storyteller was banging his gavel in a corner, eliciting cheers from the audience. He was led upstairs, where Bai Xuan was already waiting for him in a private room.
"I've also reserved a table next door, so they can relax a bit too?" Bai Xuan, being adept at social interaction, glanced at Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi beside Qi Chengming. He hadn't had time to pay attention last time, but this time Bai Xuan's gaze lingered on the two for a while longer, somewhat fixed, as if sensing something.
His expression froze slightly, as if he were deep in thought.
Qi Chengming agreed, gesturing for Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi to go ahead and eat, assuring them he could stay in the next room. Don't think he was unaware; these two eunuchs had suffered alongside the original owner for a long time, developing a gluttonous habit. It was good for them to come out and eat fresh food; it was their due.
Bai Xuan also gestured for the people around him to leave, and the door to the private room was closed, leaving an unfamiliar silence between the two.
"..." Qi Chengming moved his lips slightly, pondered for a moment, and then smiled and asked directly, "Brother Bai, have you had a difficult time at home these past two days?"
He asked this question because Bai Xuan, dressed like a rich young master, turned his face, and the clear handprint on the half of his face that was hidden in the shadows was exposed.
It's obvious to anyone that this happened after Bai Xuan returned home from investigating the fire incident and had some unpleasant encounters with certain people.
But Bai Xuan actually disregarded his pride and showed up for the thank-you banquet despite the handprint on his face... Was he simply too grateful, or did he have ulterior motives? Qi Chengming pondered for a few seconds and realized that this young master Bai probably needed something from him.
Yesterday, Bai Xuan probably saw the insignia of the Marquis of Weiyong's mansion on the ship and had some guesses in his mind. Because it was dark, he didn't see Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi clearly, so he didn't react much. Tonight, observing them so closely—the physical characteristics and appearance of eunuchs are flawed in the eyes of a discerning person—that's why Bai Xuan's expression changed so much in surprise.
I wonder if Young Master Bai, now that he's realized what's happened, will still want to ask him for help, or if he'll be even more delighted?
Qi Chengming waited quietly for his answer.
The next moment, Bai Xuan gritted his teeth, pushed back his chair, knelt on the open ground, and broke through the veil of secrecy: "I am not worthy of being addressed as Brother Bai... This humble one pays respects to Your Highness. I did not know your identity before, and I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
“Ignorance is no excuse. Brother Bai, you are older than me, and I’m still addressing you like that.” Qi Chengming waved his hand to quickly tell him to get up. He still couldn’t stand people bowing to him so deeply.
That's just how the world is.
Yesterday, Qi Chengming's men helped the Bai family, and Bai Xuan treated them to a meal to express his gratitude. However, after his identity as a prince was exposed, he was no longer entitled to even express his thanks. Even when Bai Xuan didn't recognize him when he was rescued yesterday—he had to apologize first, feeling extremely guilty. Because no matter how powerful the Bai family was, they were ultimately just merchants, and the consequences of offending a prince were something they couldn't afford.
Who knows what kind of prince we'll encounter?
"Your Highness, I have a request." Bai Xuan obediently stood up, lowered his head and continued to speak with difficulty, his expression very uneasy, "The Bai family... is willing to serve Your Highness with utmost loyalty. Whether it is a restaurant or a security escort agency, our Bai family has established a certain scale in the surrounding two prefectures."
Bai Xuan had never spoken like this before, nor had he ever bribed anyone. He felt that his words were clumsy and sounded incredibly stupid.
However, given the haste, Bai Xuan could only do his best to consider the options.
He had come bearing the slap mark... to discuss a partnership and cultivate a relationship with this new acquaintance, Brother Qi. It seemed to be a symbol of the Earl's mansion; if he could gain Brother Qi's favor, his grandfather would acknowledge his abilities, and his status would rise further. After all, the Bai family was a local power with considerable influence, and he could try to curry favor with the Earl's son.
But now...
Bai Xuan deduced a very ominous answer from the ages of the two young eunuchs and Brother Qi: this Brother Qi is very likely a member of the royal family, and judging from his age, he is a prince who is about to go out to his fiefdom!
Bai Xuan had never thought of this direction before.
Because the previous generation of royal descendants has all passed away, the remaining imperial relatives are all currently residing in the capital. The only prince qualified to be sent away to his fiefdom, the eldest prince, has been exceptionally allowed to remain in the capital. So, which prince is this? The second prince or the third prince?
Bai Xuan didn't know, but he knew he had to change his plans immediately.
What kind of cooperation? What kind of networking?
Bai Xuan's current concern is that even if he wanted to curry favor with the prince, the prince wouldn't want to accept him.
—What's the difference between them!
He had no confidence at all.
"Is this your personal opinion? Or the Bai family's? Can you represent the Bai family now?" Qi Chengming's expression remained unchanged as he asked these questions.
Bai Xuan boldly raised his eyelids slightly, gazing at the young man's collar as he respectfully replied, "This is my idea, but it will also be the Bai family's intention."
If this prince accepts his allegiance, Bai Xuan will seize the opportunity to become the head of the Bai family, which will naturally become the will of the entire Bai family.
For ordinary wealthy merchant families, given the opportunity to curry favor with a prince, who would hesitate to try and stay away? Who would consider the future struggle for the throne or the potential dangers? Those things were too distant; they were too insignificant to even qualify for the "danger." The status of merchants was too low, like grains of sand.
Bai Xuan knew that if he told his grandfather about it tonight, his grandfather would only praise him. He must have been out of his mind to miss tonight's best opportunity.
The biggest problem in this whole affair is whether His Highness the Prince is willing to accept their allegiance.
Bai Xuan clenched his fists at his side, his palms damp with sweat, as he nervously awaited this judgment-like outcome.
A deathly silence fell over the private room.
Qi Chengming hesitated, somewhat unsure: "..."
To be honest, he was a little unsure.
Originally, he sent a caravan to learn about the Bai family with the intention of cooperating, to first assess Bai Xuan's character. But now Bai Xuan directly wants to offer up the Bai family, which would be a huge and continuous tribute... and the benefits would not only be in terms of money.
It was only at this moment that Qi Chengming slowly realized what his status as a prince truly represented in ancient times.
He was even planning to follow the typical transmigrator's path, starting from scratch with the arduous three-pronged approach. But in reality, even though he was an unloved prince and had been banished to Liuzhou, he could still live a very comfortable life outside... as comfortable as he wanted.
So, should we accept it or not?
Qi Chengming had found the answer in his heart.
"You should go back first," he said casually.
Bai Xuan's face instantly turned ashen, and he swayed, almost unable to stand. But he dared not show any resentment, managing only a forced, grateful smile as he laboriously smoothed things over: "Your Highness, then this humble subject will take his leave… This feast is the finest in Wuling City; please do me the honor of joining us…"
"Finish this meal before you leave. But Brother Bai, I still prefer your original, natural self. Could you try to revert to that?" Qi Chengming couldn't help but ask. He found it extremely unpleasant to see his subordinates forcing smiles and currying favor to curry favor.
He originally wanted the caravan to inquire further about the Bai family's specific situation before making a decision. After all, he didn't accept just anyone, good or bad, as his followers; couldn't he at least have a few more days to consider?
If the young master of the Bai family continues to be like this, then even if he wants to get in touch with the Bai family, he probably won't want to see Bai Xuan anymore.
...
Bai Xuan is not a stupid person.
Although he couldn't hide his disappointment, he keenly realized that this prince possessed a youthful spirit and didn't particularly like his timid and submissive demeanor. The Bai family's attempt to ally with him had failed, and the prince had no intention of doing so, but perhaps he could now speak a few words to the prince...?
That's good too.
Bai Xuan quickly adjusted his mindset.
He calmed down considerably, changing his posture to a cupped-hand salute, this time much more sincere and respectful. Bai Xuan, treating himself as a guest entertaining the prince, instructed the waiter to serve the dishes, then introduced each one:
"Your Highness, the Wuling ducks have a chewy and lingering texture, and are cooked in a rich, dark sauce... This mandarin fish is even more exquisite, with delicate white flesh and unparalleled freshness."
Qi Chengming didn't show it on his face, but in his heart he looked at Bai Xuan with newfound respect.
Just now, Bai Xuan seemed like a greenhorn, inexperienced in everything and lacking in mental fortitude. But now, he's adjusted his mindset so quickly, without any sign of strain. Being able to "let go" and be so carefree is certainly a virtue.
But now, Qi Chengming's attention was focused on the mandarin fish. His mind was filled with the line "Peach blossoms float on flowing water, mandarin fish are plump," and he knew just by hearing it that it would taste incredibly delicious.
He enjoyed a delicious and satisfying meal, then decisively parted ways with Bai Xuan and the party ended.
...
The moon rises above the treetops.
Bai Xuan returned to the Bai family's old residence somewhat dejectedly. His wife, Wen Shi, greeted him with concern and looked at him expectantly. After a moment of hesitation, she said nothing and instructed the maid, "Bring a bowl of warm soup."
Unlike his handsome and refined appearance, Bai Xuan is a person who loves to drink sticky and gooey soups and has a somewhat sticky and gooey personality.
Mrs. Wen loved this; her husband treated her with respect and care, never took a concubine, and was even a little too clingy. She had no worries even about him going out for drinks at night. The young couple had never argued in all these years.
No, that's not right either. Some of them did blush, but it was all a shy blush.
There was something extremely important tonight, but it seems that it didn't work out... Ms. Wen was also disappointed, but when she looked at the handprint on her husband's face, she felt more heartache: "I'll find you some ointment, put it on."
Yesterday, the boat she and her daughter were on inexplicably caught fire, and her husband had a huge fight with her fourth brother-in-law upon returning home, even getting slapped. This enraged her grandfather, who severely punished her fourth brother-in-law. Everything hinged on tonight's events… Oh well, there would be other opportunities.
"Jinniang, that's not some young master from the Marquis's mansion. No wonder I couldn't find any information about him... That's His Highness the Second Prince, who's going to his fiefdom." Bai Xuan smiled. After the banquet, the matter he had inquired about had yielded results. Now, Bai Xuan had composed himself and rallied his spirits.
"His Highness the Prince seems to think highly of me. With that alone, I can go toe-to-toe with my fourth uncle."
He held his wife's hand and solemnly promised, "What happened yesterday will not happen again."
From a young age, Bai Xuan's mother taught him self-preservation, and Bai Xuan himself didn't have much ambition for the future. He was indeed the eldest grandson of the main branch, but if his fourth uncle was skilled in managing the household, he wouldn't mind finding another way out. After all, he already had a wife and children, and the family could live their own quiet life behind closed doors. His grandfather wouldn't let him idle away his time; giving him a job would be perfectly normal.
However, Fourth Uncle's impatience is evident... This time, he's set his sights on Jinniang and her daughter, which has really hit Bai Xuan where it hurts.
He still has little interest in managing the family business, but he now has to keep his fourth uncle in check.
With the prince's favor, he wanted to use his power to scheme for more... He wanted the power to manage the household, and he wanted the entire Bai family!
...
The large ship, which had been docked for a long time, resumed its journey and left the "delicious" Wuling County.
Over the next week, Qi Chengming received a constant stream of messages.
While docking again to make purchases, he received a letter from the caravan—not only about the Bai family in Wuling County, but also several other letters this time.
Qi Chengming couldn't wait to return to his study and sit down to read carefully.
First, news from the Bai family:
This week, Bai Xuan worked diligently at the shop, closing a major deal and gaining the favor of Old Master Bai. The head of the fourth branch of the Bai family was inexplicably imprisoned and stripped of his authority.
"Not bad at all." Qi Chengming found the thought of himself becoming the "powerful" one in the phrase "abusing one's power to bully others" somewhat novel.
The letter meticulously detailed the Bai family's past, analyzed Bai Xuan's character and behavior, and described the Bai family's reputation in various places. While not entirely ethical, their actions were those of normal businessmen, avoiding any immoral or unethical practices. The old master Bai's handling of the fourth son of the Bai family was also considered fair.
Qi Chengming understood that this meant he could accept seeking refuge.
He then took out a thick book of recipes from the bookcase and wrote a letter to the caravan—he agreed.
Another letter was written to Bai Xuan.
From Qi Chengming's perspective, he was still doing business with the Bai family. Whether it was a caravan or a restaurant, these were all channels for distributing the modern techniques he had acquired. The Bai family would give him a share of the profits, and he would be implicitly protecting the Bai family in the future.
However, Qi Chengming gave Bai Xuan a stern warning in the letter.
He wasn't someone who cared much about saving face. If he found out that the Bai family would use his influence to bully others, or that they would be caught doing bad things, he wouldn't protect them; he would only clean house.
"Phew... With this, I shouldn't be short of money for the time being." Qi Chengming murmured, waiting for the ink on the paper to dry.
Although he knew that infrastructure development in Liuzhou would require a continuous stream of funds.
But we'll talk about that later. Money can be earned again. Let's be content for now. People should learn to be content.
He would continue manufacturing soap, glass, cement, and other goods, but Qi Chengming would have the caravans change hands one more time. Ostensibly, it would be that the Second Prince had accepted the Bai family's allegiance, and then the mysterious caravan's goods would be transported and sold everywhere, coincidentally also at the Bai family's shops—
That's the kind of relationship.
Otherwise, if his reputation becomes too big in the future, Qi Chengming won't be able to keep a low profile.
"...Which one should I look at next?" Qi Chengming looked at the remaining two letters, and after a brief struggle, he happily picked up the letter from the Marquis of Weiyong's residence first.
I twisted it; the letter inside was thick.
My maternal grandparents… their handwriting was easy to read, one strong and firm, the other delicate and graceful, both radiating tender affection. They inquired about every little detail of his life, worried that he might have suffered on the journey. They asked if he had put on extra clothes as the weather grew colder, if he was getting used to the food in this new place, and if settling the later-arriving veterans had been difficult…
My younger cousin, Wang Shuo, also wrote several pages, expressing the same concern, rambling on and on. Most of the remaining five pages were complaints about his age; he couldn't come to help. However, he said he was already working on building up his strength and was determined to hone his martial arts skills over the next few years. Moreover, he had heard that Liuzhou and Hezhou were adjacent, and that the bayberries from Hezhou were dark black, sweet and sour, and especially delicious—he wondered if they were really that good…
Qi Chengming's eyes softened as he leaned back in his chair, sitting quietly by the window reading, his expression unusually relaxed.
This is a letter home.
Although it doesn't contain much content, reading it can inspire courage in people.
Qi Chengming planned that once they settled in Liuzhou, he would send the caravan to Hezhou to find some bayberries and figure out how to make them into dried fruit to send back to his younger cousin, as a token of his affection.
He turned to the next page and found that his grandfather had given him another instruction:
It's about the wet nurse that Qi Chengming mentioned before, the one who was expelled from the palace when the Second Prince was young. Her whereabouts have been found.
Qi Chengming's expression turned serious, and he sat up slightly to continue reading.
She had a hard time living with her husband's family these past years, and she remembered all the things that happened in the palace. She tearfully recounted her experiences to the two elders of the Marquis of Weiyong. Upon hearing that His Highness the Second Prince had been sent to Liuzhou to assume his fiefdom, she immediately expressed her willingness to go—and her attitude was very urgent, feeling sorry for how much His Highness had suffered without her care.
I reckon the wet nurse will be on her way by the time the letter arrives.
Upon seeing this, Qi Chengming quickly calculated the time.
According to her maternal grandfather, this wet nurse was sent out of the palace when the original owner of this body, the Second Prince, was five or six years old and went to study in the Imperial Academy. It has been about seven years since she last saw the original owner of this body.
He felt a little relieved.
Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi always believed that he had suffered a major blow, which caused his personality change, and they never questioned it. For this nanny whom they hadn't seen for many years, it was reasonable for his personality to have changed.
Then came the last letter, which was actually sent by Eunuch Zhang.
He had successfully arrived in the hometown of the official he wanted to win over, and even managed to get a job as a cook in the official's household—Chang'an. Qi Chengming could remember the hometown of that character in the succession novel because the name Chang'an was so well-known.
“…Very good!” Qi Chengming couldn’t help but clench his fist and a smile appeared on his face. “Now all my plans are on track!”
Next, all we need to do is patiently wait for the harvest.
Thinking of this, Qi Chengming felt refreshed. He pushed open the study door and called out to Xiao Chengzi, who was guarding outside—it was his shift today: "Xiao Chengzi! Have Zhang You make me roast duck tonight... Yes, not the usual way, but sliced thinly and served with dipping sauce and finely shredded scallions and cucumbers."
All good news, it's worth celebrating with a Peking duck!
Xiao Chengzi was also infected by the joy, and his tone became cheerful as he relayed the message. But when he went to the kitchen and returned, he saw the young prince had returned to his study and was preparing to read again.
You've been reading for so long, and you've only rested for a quarter of an hour? The fatigue on your face hasn't even faded yet.
Xiao Chengzi felt sorry for His Highness and couldn't help but boldly offer a few words of advice: "Your Highness... we're almost at Liuzhou, there's no rush to study right now, your health is more important."
With only a few days' travel time by land to Liuzhou, Qi Chengming explained, "Once we get there, I'll be so busy I won't be able to concentrate for days. Since I'm studying like this, I should make the most of my time."
“Your Highness…” Xiao Chengzi blurted out. He had been holding back his doubts for so many days, and now he couldn’t hold back any longer. Now, relying on His Highness’s indulgence, he had to speak his mind. “…Your Highness, why do you always feel a sense of urgency? It’s like someone is chasing after you to learn from you.”
Just like.
It's like you'll die immediately if you don't study.
"This idea is too disrespectful," Xiao Chengzi thought to himself, quickly dismissing the thought.
"Hmm..." Qi Chengming put down the handwritten book and was stunned. Whether before or after transmigrating, he had gotten used to this kind of lifestyle, so he was completely unaware of the problem. Now that Xiao Chengzi had pointed it out, he was somewhat dazed.
Why?
If the concern is about persecution by the future emperor, that's a matter for many years to come. Even if Qi Chengming isn't in a hurry to reform the vassal states now, it won't have any impact.
But why is he always in such a hurry?
Everything I do feels urgent.
Qi Chengming pondered in silence for a long time, and a conclusion gradually took shape in his mind. He concluded with melancholy: "It's probably because... essentially, I understand Mr. Huang's choice."
Xiao Chengzi: "?"
The young eunuch's face was full of confusion.
Qi Chengming added in his summary: "We are all very aware of our own incompetence, so... we are at a loss."
Perhaps this is what adults are like; they've come to understand their own abilities and limitations: 'They're just ordinary people.'
However, neither Master Huang nor Qi Chengming had accepted this point. Their upbringing in the family had instilled in them the idea that they had to become excellent, that they had to work hard, and that they couldn't be so lazy.
So—every second that Qi Chengming is living so easily right now feels like it's been stolen. If he doesn't do anything worthwhile, if he doesn't do the right thing, how can he survive?
They would be immersed in a deep sense of guilt.
Master Huang chose to continue escaping with this mindset, eventually relinquishing control to his master and finally finding inner peace, allowing him to comfortably study the architecture he loved. Qi Chengming, on the other hand, chose to… try every means to eliminate his guilt, such as through studying, and by taking on the burden of Master Huang's sense of peace.
“Therefore, I can never stop,” Qi Chengming concluded with a sigh. “Do you understand?”
He didn't expect Xiao Chengzi to understand; he just... could only confide in his personal eunuch.
After a moment of silence, Xiao Chengzi lowered his head.
His eyes stung and swelled, and he could only quickly wipe away his tears when His Highness couldn't see him. The little eunuch felt like crying for his master: "..."
Xiao Chengzi did understand a lot of what he said, but he still grasped the meaning.
Ugh.
His Highness has suffered a great blow. He was ordered to be sent to his fiefdom in Liuzhou and has been in a state of constant anxiety ever since! That's why he can only console himself in this way…
To say he's incompetent is ridiculous. As a prince, His Highness cannot defy the system of vassal kings, nor can he defy the Emperor's orders to leave the capital. There's nothing that can be done about it!
Only at times like these could Xiao Chengzi discern the subtle heartache and bitterness in His Highness's emotions from those seemingly ordinary words.
However, this lifestyle is too tiring.
What can he do to make His Highness feel better?
Xiao Chengzi thought about it for a very, very long time, and then he suddenly realized—his Highness basically had no hobbies, except for eating. Shouldn't he find something to distract His Highness and help him relax? Even in non-serious situations, His Highness could be excellent, and wouldn't feel incompetent!
After careful consideration, Xiao Chengzi quietly approached Mr. Qin.
At this point, there were only four days left until they arrived in Liuzhou.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Wow! I promised to write an extra chapter, but I accidentally wrote half a chapter more than usual. *closes eyes* Anyway... it's a long chapter with an extra chapter.
(All preparations for the journey are complete, so we're finally almost in Liuzhou!!!)
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