Chapter 45: Deep Water Still Flows
In the autumn of Liyuan, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the sweet fragrance of osmanthus filled the air. The mountain academy, which had been silent for a long time, officially opened its doors on this day. There was no grand celebration with gongs and drums, only the people of Huairou, dressed in simple blue robes, standing in front of the newly renovated lecture hall to welcome the first batch of students and craftsmen.
These talented individuals from all over the country were categorized by Huairou with a discerning eye:
Experienced builders and young apprentices who knew how to build houses and were knowledgeable in mechanics were led to "Zhujingyuan," a building built against the mountain, where sand tables, rulers, and samples of various building materials were provided.
The clanging of blacksmiths' hammers echoed from the "Hundred Crafts Garden," where artisans skilled in metal forging and woodworking gathered, their furnaces burning brightly.
Skilled artisans specializing in carving, firing, weaving, and embroidery entered the elegant "museum of creation," where a dazzling array of raw materials and semi-finished products were on display.
The agricultural experts, skilled in farming and animal husbandry, owned a large experimental field and livestock pens, which was called "Jia Se Yuan" (Farming Garden).
Meanwhile, the doctors who practiced medicine and saved lives occupied a quiet "Apricot Grove Garden," filled with the fragrance of herbs.
These teachers were brought in thanks to the recommendations of Yunji's former subordinates, the introductions of Lu Binghui's friends, and the talented people secretly sent by "Jianchengjun." Many of them were also folk masters who came by word of mouth and volunteered themselves.
Huairou did not ask them to start teaching immediately, but instead made an unprecedented request: "Masters, please record the essence of your life's learning, whether it be construction methods, forging secrets, planting techniques, or medical principles and prescriptions, in detail with illustrations and text, including the process, methods, and taboos. The structure of every building, the making of every fine item, and the properties of every medicinal herb must all be described in detail with illustrations and annotations."
At first, the craftsmen were quite surprised. Skills were usually passed down orally, so why make it so complicated? Huairou explained gently: "If the wisdom of our ancestors is only kept in a small space, it will disappear with the death of the people. Wouldn't that be a pity? Only by writing books and establishing theories can we gather streams into the sea and benefit future generations. This is the foundation of the school in Liyuan."
Thus, a unique scene emerged within the garden: during the day, each garden was filled with hands-on practice, sparks flying, and the air fragrant with the scent of earth; at night, many classrooms were brightly lit, where craftsmen and early students were engrossed in writing or meticulously drawing diagrams. Huairou frequently moved among them, personally participating in discussions, injecting new perspectives into these ancient crafts with his visionary insights.
Gradually, works such as "Essentials of Building Sites," "Illustrated Handbook of Crafts," "New Compilation of Materia Medica," and "Essentials of Agriculture and Sericulture," embodying practical wisdom, began to take shape, forming the unique teaching syllabus of Liyuan Garden. Huairou stipulates that each graduate must not only be proficient in the syllabus of the garden, but also complete a unique and innovative work under the guidance of their master.
"The essence of learning lies in inheritance, but even more so in innovation." Huairou often tells his students, "The wisdom of our predecessors is the foundation, and you should stand on that foundation to see further."
She saw in these increasingly abundant creations the potential to benefit people's livelihoods. Improved agricultural tools, novel household items, effective medicines, exquisite clothing patterns... whatever had promotional value, Huairou sought to transform it into commodities. She successively opened shops such as "Liyuan Workshop," "Liyuan Pharmacy," and "Liyuan Restaurant" inside and outside the capital, where outstanding students could intern and work, earning generous remuneration with their skills, truly realizing "learning for practical use and using it to support one's family."
Over the years, Liyuan's products, with their exquisite quality, practical design, and unique style, quietly became popular in the capital. High-ranking officials and nobles took pride in owning Liyuan's custom-made furniture and clothing; the military purchased its improved armor and weapons; and ordinary people benefited from its high-yield grains and effective medicines. Even the restoration of royal gardens and water conservancy projects in the capital region would specially invite graduates of Liyuan to provide consultation and guidance.
The landscape of the imperial city seems to be subtly shifting. Restaurants and taverns are no longer the only places for young people to make a living. More and more talented young people are gathering in and around the imperial gardens, discovering that there are more than two narrow paths to success: passing the imperial examinations or remaining a farmer for generations. With a skill, one can also make a living, even heal the sick, improve production, accumulate wealth, and achieve a unity of personal and social value. A new social trend is slowly taking shape under Huairou's careful cultivation.
Meanwhile, the emperor issued an edict moving Yunji's place of house arrest to the Liyuan Garden. To avoid suspicion, he adopted the alias "Young Master Ji," posing as the son of a merchant traveling to the north. Although he was no longer confined to the desolate Eastern Palace, Yunji grew increasingly depressed in this vibrant place. He often sat alone in the waterside pavilion, gazing blankly at the withered lotus leaves in the pond, feeling utterly hopeless about his future and deeply remorseful for Yuan Ya, who had been implicated because of him.
Yuan Ya, too, was tormented by a heavy sense of guilt. She believed that if she hadn't incurred Hawkeye's insane jealousy, Yunji would never have been framed like this. The two young people, who clearly cared for each other, were separated by an invisible veil due to their double burden of guilt, unable to speak their minds.
Huairou observed all of this, her heart heavy with worry. One quiet afternoon, she brewed a pot of calming tea and went to Yunji's study, where he was alone. Outside the window, the faint sounds of students chatting and laughing as they practiced their skills could be heard, further emphasizing the silence inside.
"Your Highness," Huairou gently pushed the teacup towards him, her voice soft, "are you worried about the future?"
Yunji raised his head, his eyes filled with undisguised confusion and bitterness: "Huairou, am I really that useless? Not only can I not protect myself, but I've also dragged Yuanya down with me, and now... my future is uncertain, and my life is hanging in the balance."
Huairou didn't offer direct comfort, but slowly said, "Your Highness, when I was young, I heard a Buddhist legend. It said that Shakyamuni possessed three magical implements: the first was a sharp sword, possessing supreme power to slay demons and monsters; the second was a stone that could bring the dead back to life, calling back the deceased so the living would no longer fear death; the third was a robe, which, when worn, even the King of Hell couldn't find you. Three young men in the capital heard this legend and set out to find these three magical implements… Soon, one of the young men found the sword with supreme power in a cliff cave. A single strike could wipe out half an enemy army, making him invincible and quickly rising to the highest-ranking general in the army. However, the sword's immense power was coveted by too many people in the world, even those he served..." The king feared his growing power and potential replacement... Thus, in a battle, he was betrayed by his own subordinates, losing both his life and his sword. Another young man found a stone at the bottom of Lake Lanka that could resurrect the dead. Overjoyed, he eagerly resurrected his loved ones, but they could not truly live with him; only the sorrow of unrequited love remained. Ultimately, unable to bear the mental torment, he left this world, hoping to reunite with his family in another realm. Finally, a young man found the robe that could make one invisible in a Bodhi tree hollow. He donned the robe and hid in the mortal realm, undetectable even to the King of Hell. He lived a simple and happy life, surrounded by children and grandchildren, until his deathbed, when he removed the robe and happily departed with the King of Hell.
Looking into Yunji's eyes, she said meaningfully, "Your Highness, what you hold in your hand now is that 'sword.' It is your position as crown prince, the supreme power, which will naturally attract those who crave power and seek to kill you. In truth, I wish Your Highness had found that 'invisible robe.'" Her gentle tone carried a distant memory, "When I first met you in the palace, I only saw your loneliness and melancholy, which pained me. I only hoped that you could stay away from the court's intrigues, find a place on the border, and live a peaceful life, as if wearing that 'invisible robe,' becoming a peaceful and happy ordinary prince—that would be best."
"But fate is fickle. Your lineage is extraordinary, and His Majesty favors you. This 'precious sword' has ultimately ended up in your hands." Huairou's voice became solemn. "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Now that you've grasped it, your life is destined to be intertwined with bloodshed and turmoil. Every calamity is a trial. If you overcome it, you'll grow stronger; if you don't... it becomes a matter of life and death." She paused. "Your Highness's father also walked this path step by step. This is not a consolation, but a reality you must recognize."
Yunji listened intently, the confusion in his eyes gradually replaced by a heavy understanding.
Huairou found another opportunity to talk to Yunji about his marriage to Yuan Ya. "Your Highness, do you know that marriage in the imperial family is not just about love, but also a political alliance disguised as marriage? It gathers resources and connections, builds a community of interests, and is a means to maintain rule. Many women, including the concubines in the palace, are part of this alliance."
"The reason Hawkeye framed you, besides possibly having feelings for Yuan Ya, is because she is the eldest daughter of the largest tribe on the grasslands. Marrying her would mean the merger of the two tribes, allowing him to become the overlord of the grasslands effortlessly. Yuan Ya's father, Su Tan, must have known this well and didn't want to easily hand over the empire he had built. He knew that as an only daughter, he needed to find her a powerful backer, someone who could both intimidate the grasslands and protect the tribe's interests, but who wouldn't interfere excessively or seize power during his lifetime. Yuan Ya is the crucial link in this grand scheme."
“And you,” Huairou looked at Yunji, “through your marriage to Yuanya, you gained a stable foundation for the grasslands and trade, and with the support of the Daur tribe, you gained a stronger voice in the court. In the end, your union began with mutual benefit and ended with mutual respect. It is precisely because your situations are uncertain in this complex network of interests that you must be each other’s armor and support each other. Yuanya is innocent, and you are innocent. Do not let outsiders’ disturbances damage your alliance as husband and wife.”
These words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, bringing clarity to Yunji. He understood his position in this political game and the difficult situation Yuan Ya was in. That heavy sense of guilt gradually transformed into a firm resolve to face reality.
He decided to face this storm head-on, knowing that this small garden was a chance for him to catch his breath, bought by Huairou. At the same time, he also made the worst-case scenario plan—if he could not clear his name, at least in these last moments, he would fulfill his responsibilities as a husband and live peacefully with Yuanya and Huairou.
With their misunderstandings resolved, Yunji and Yuanya reconciled after a long talk. Yunji began to actively follow Huairou to learn the novel knowledge she brought him—the nature of money and modern accounting methods, basic mathematical principles, and even astronomical calendars based on star observation. This knowledge, so different from Confucian classics, opened another window for him, temporarily dispelling his anxieties about the future.
As "Young Master Ji," he integrated himself into the students of Liyuan. He read extensively on craftsmanship skills, humbly sought guidance from master craftsmen, made woodenware and polished ironware by hand, exchanged ideas with students from the city, and met many talented and ambitious people, experiencing an unprecedented sense of vitality and fulfillment.
Yuan Ya was by his side. She was proficient in grassland medicine, knew many herbs, and had considerable experience in animal husbandry. The medicines for healing injuries and remedies for dispelling cold that she brought from the grasslands were carefully recorded, enriching the books of "Xinglin Garden." Her unique experience in raising horses, training eagles, and herding sheep filled many gaps in the animal husbandry techniques of the Central Plains. Her cheerful and enthusiastic nature, along with her exotic beauty, quickly made her the most eye-catching "class beauty" in the academy. This often made Yunji, who was using the alias of a merchant's son, feel a sweet "sense of crisis," but he had to be careful to maintain his identity and keep a proper distance from his "wife" in the classroom.
Huairou was delighted with the outcome. Seeing her "son" and "daughter-in-law" find their own joy and value in this free environment filled her with immense satisfaction. She herself was busy with the expansion of the academy and the establishment of the business network, and although she was busy, she was filled with a sense of accomplishment in creation and achievement.
In her spare time, her favorite thing to do is to take care of her group of fluffy rabbits in her little yard. "Little Gray, Little Yellow, Little White, Cotton, Little Panda, Pistachio, Little Snowball..." She has named each one as if they were her own treasures. These soft and adorable little creatures are not easy to raise. Whenever a rabbit unfortunately dies, Huairou will cry her heart out, as if she has lost a dear friend; but when they are healthy and lively, blinking their ruby-like eyes at her, twitching their noses, and hopping and playing happily, she can forget all her worries and be happy for several days. She often lifts her skirt, squats in the yard, and personally picks up hay for them and cleans up their droppings, busy and happy. This most simple interaction with life has become her most precious comfort and source of joy in this complicated world.
Time flows slowly beneath the surface of tranquility in the garden. Hibernation is not retreat, but rather the accumulation of strength, awaiting the moment of emergence. With her wisdom and resilience, Huairou provides Yunji and Yuanya with a temporary haven of peace, and quietly sows the seeds of world-changing destiny at the foot of the imperial city.
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