Chapter 48: Fighting Rumors with Rumors
Xie Shichang was completely surprised that Xie Huaijin had changed so much in just a few days, and his words were much more assertive.
"Do you really think that just because you can pass the provincial examination, you can become an official? You don't even need to take the Xie family seriously?"
Hearing the blatant threat in her words, Xie Huaijin clenched his fist, which was hidden in his sleeve. After a long silence, he lowered his eyes slightly and said, "How dare I?"
Xie Shichang gave him a wink, and Xie Zhang picked up the inkstone from the ground.
"The Book of Poetry says: 'Among all people today, none are like brothers.' Sanlang, even though there are many misunderstandings between us, my only wish is for the Xie family to be harmonious and prosperous. I do all this for your own good."
Xie Shichang stood up and walked to Xie Huaijin's side, placing his right hand lightly on Xie Huaijin's shoulder, and said, "You have been taciturn since childhood, preferring to be alone and never making friends with others. Why would you take the initiative to visit Yu Mingshu in prison? And why did you scold Wulang for her? I don't believe you have no feelings for her at all."
The things he dared not think about in detail were exposed by Xie Shichang. Xie Huaijin was shocked, lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "This is my own business."
"How can this be a matter for just you?"
Xie Shichang patted his shoulder heavily and said, "You still have her in your heart. Even if you marry someone else in the future, you will never forget this love. At that time, the couple will be estranged, causing unrest in the family, which will affect both families! Since that's the case, why don't you marry her and be together with her forever?"
For a fleeting moment, Xie Huaijin wavered.
But he quickly realized that wouldn't work.
Xie Huaijin turned to meet his brother's gaze and said, word by word, "She and I can be lifelong friends, but we can never be lifelong enemies."
Xie Shichang laughed in anger and slapped him hard across the face, "How could the Xie family produce such a coward as you!"
Xie Huaijin turned his face to the side after being hit, took a deep breath, endured the burning pain, said no more to him, bowed, and turned to leave the Xie residence.
Xie Shichang sat back in the main seat with a gloomy face, his gaze sweeping over Xie Zhang: "You went to propose marriage today, but that Yu family girl refused to marry you?"
Xie Zhang bowed his head respectfully and said, "Yes, Madam Wu didn't dare to refuse openly, so she even made up a theory about fate to avoid the marriage, which is utterly absurd."
“No matter how lowly Sanlang’s mother is, Xie Huaijin still bears the surname Xie, and it’s not up to the Yu family to criticize him.”
A cold glint flashed in Xie Shichang's eyes. He raised his hand to signal Xie Zhang to come forward and said in a deep voice, "When Wulang was defeated by her earlier, I didn't hold it against her. She still dares to push her luck... Then let's curb her arrogance."
…
It was early spring and the air was still chilly. He Zheng lit a fire in the yard and started an outdoor barbecue at home.
The aroma of meat wafted from the top of the wall into the neighbor's house. Soon after, half a head popped out from the top of the wall. Yu Mingshu climbed up the back wall and stared intently at the lamb leg on the fire.
He Zheng waved to her, "Don't go through the door, just come down and eat from here."
Yu Mingshu glanced behind her to make sure her mother hadn't seen her before climbing over the wall and jumping down. The wall wasn't high, so she didn't need anyone to catch her; she landed safely on her own.
She leaned closer to the stove and jokingly asked, "You've skipped class again?"
He Zheng said with disdain, "Wang Youling's lectures sound like a monk chanting scriptures; I really can't stand listening to them."
Yu Mingshu laughed: "Just two days ago you said you would listen carefully in class and tell me about it when you got back, and you've given up so quickly?"
He Zheng retorted, "Do you even need to learn what he's saying?"
Yu Mingshu flipped the lamb leg over the fire and said, "That's true."
Wang Youling's role at the academy was similar to that of a graduating class teacher, specializing in teaching the formulas for policy essays and miscellaneous writings.
Yu Mingshu has his own insights into exam essay writing, and he can fully express himself without needing to attend classes.
He Zheng picked out a skewer of grilled pork belly, took a bite and it sizzled with oil, so delicious that he was speechless.
After finishing a whole skewer of grilled meat, he looked at Yu Mingshu across from him, his mind involuntarily replaying the rumors he had heard over the past few days. He hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "You... haven't been out lately, have you?"
Yu Mingshu was baffled by the question. Why was He Zheng asking about her whereabouts for no reason? She glanced up and saw him looking hesitant, as if he was hiding something.
"No, what's wrong?"
"nothing."
He Zheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and softened his tone, saying, "Recently, the city has been filled with candidates from all over the country who have come to the capital for the imperial examinations. With so many people and so much gossip, it's best to stay home as much as possible."
Yu Mingshu agreed verbally, but inwardly he felt suspicious.
Something unusual must be going on. He Zheng wasn't one to lecture, and the fact that he was telling himself not to go out meant something big was happening outside, something he didn't want her to know...
So the question is, what things in Chang'an City are she not allowed to know?
In the courtyard of an inn in Chang'an's East Market, candidates from all over the country gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing.
Upon closer observation, it's not hard to see that these candidates subtly revered one particular person. That person's surname was Xiao, given name Lai, and he was a candidate from Taozhou who had come to the capital and, relying on his "fellow townsman" status, had joined the Xie family.
In the imperial examinations, having connections made a huge difference; often, the higher the teacher's standing, the further the student could go. Therefore, in the eyes of others, Xiao Lai was already halfway to the top, only lacking the formality of going to the examination hall.
Xiao Lai downed a bowl of turbid wine, then placed the bowl on the Spring and Autumn Annals beside him. Raising his hand, he shouted to the crowd, "Have you heard? The orphan girl from the Yu family who disguised herself as a boy to attend school rejected the Xie family's marriage proposal a couple of days ago! That's the Xie family, the most prestigious family in the Great Liang, with disciples and former officials all over the world!"
Immediately, someone chimed in, "The Yu family's daughter is so confident in her talent that she has already caused two young masters of the Xie family to turn against each other in just half a year at Chang'an Academy. Even that纨绔二郎 (a spoiled brat) from the An Yuan Earl's mansion lost his mind for love and didn't hesitate to fight with his classmates. In the Yu family's daughter's eyes, all the men in the world are bowing down at her feet, so how could she possibly look at Xie Sanlang, whom the Xie family despises?"
Upon hearing his words, all the candidates in the room smiled knowingly.
Some people wondered: "This girl entered the academy under the identity of Yu Erlang. How could the young men in the academy develop feelings for her? Could it be that all the students at Chang'an Academy are homosexuals...?"
His companion laughed at him: "You also have two eyes, you're not blind, do you think you can't even tell the difference between men and women just because you change your clothes?"
Everyone burst into laughter again.
After a long pause, a weary-looking examinee in the crowd sighed bitterly: "Everyone says that this Lady Yu is stunningly beautiful, with skin like jade, phoenix eyes that seem to hold spring water, and full lips like early cherry blossoms... We, fellow scholars, have to endure the sweltering heat in summer and the freezing cold in winter, leaving our fingers sore and chapped. Yet these scions of noble families have people fawning over them, drinking ice in summer, keeping warm in winter, and having beautiful women adding fragrance to their sleeves! Alas, alas, the ways of heaven are unjust!"
Upon hearing this, everyone who had been chatting and laughing fell silent.
The person next to him kicked him, "You've had too much to drink, what nonsense are you spouting? Save that question for when you get home and ask your parents why they didn't give birth to you into a prestigious family."
The man who had initially brought up the topic coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to himself, and continued, "Speaking of which, the Yu family was once a prominent and wealthy family. Imperial Censor Yu was a civil official of integrity during his lifetime, yet he had such a shameless daughter. If the Yu ancestors knew this in the afterlife, they would surely be deeply ashamed."
Upon hearing this, someone else quipped, "The Crown Prince has reached adulthood, yet the palace has yet to issue an edict for him to take a concubine. This woman displayed her literary talent at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet and received personal praise from the Emperor… What do you think she's thinking? I'm afraid the Yu family also wants to become imperial relatives and hopes this woman will bring glory to their family!"
"Outrageous!" A man dressed in coarse linen clothes with a stern face angrily smashed a bowl. "The imperial family values virtuous and gentle women the most. How could they allow such a fickle woman to enter the house?"
Not far away, at the Fengyanglou branch, Yu Mingshu and Cui Hongli stood at the second-floor window, hearing every word of the vulgarities uttered downstairs.
Cui Hongli carefully observed Yu Mingshu's reaction, and seeing that she was staring out the window without saying a word, she sighed with pity, "These past two days, there's been a lot of gossip about you. Some drunken scholars even stormed into Fengyang Tower and caused a ruckus, smashing drinks on the guests' tables and saying, 'Even dogs wouldn't drink the tea brewed by that witch...'"
Yu Mingshu withdrew his gaze and looked at her, saying, "I'm sorry, I caused this trouble and it has delayed the shop's business."
Cui Hongli glared at her with displeasure: "The fault lies with these gossipy men, not you. What kind of talk is that!"
"No matter what, we still have to make money." Yu Mingshu seemed completely unconcerned, twirling the cup in his hand as an idea came to him. "If all else fails, just announce to the public that you're cutting ties with me, give me a good scolding, and take the opportunity to launch a limited-time promotion to make a killing off them."
Cui Hongli was speechless. She clicked her tongue in admiration and said, "You are a born businesswoman."
Seeing that Yu Mingshu remained unperturbed, Cui Hongli couldn't help but ask, "How do you plan to deal with them making such accusations against you?"
"What can I do?" Yu Mingshu shrugged. "Should I rush out and explain that I'm focused on my studies and have never done anything to attract attention, or swear to God that I never intended to marry into a wealthy family? Regardless of what's wrong with a woman wanting to marry into a higher social class, do you think they'll believe me just because I made a solemn oath?"
"So you're just going to put up with this?"
It's impossible to endure.
Yu Mingshu chuckled and shook his head. After returning home, he stayed indoors for two days straight.
During this time, He Zheng came by and heard from Wu Qiuniang that she had gone out for a while and then locked herself up. He immediately realized that she knew everything and was so anxious that he wanted to go in and knock on the door, but Jing Hong grabbed him.
Just kidding. If he really broke into the girl's room, the rumors would only get more exaggerated once the news got out.
Wu Qiuniang was unaware of what had happened. Seeing He Zheng's troubled expression, she took the initiative to ask, "Does Second Brother He have something urgent to discuss with Ming Shu? If it is truly a matter of life and death, I will call her out right now."
He Zheng hesitated, unsure how to begin.
Qingque and Luoyan overheard some rumors while they were out buying groceries and knew roughly what was going on. However, Yu Mingshu had specifically instructed them not to let their mother hear about these things, so as not to make her anxious and upset.
The two exchanged a glance, hesitant to speak.
Just as He Zheng was about to say that it was unnecessary, he saw Yu Mingshu come out dressed in men's clothing, carrying a stack of manuscript papers.
Are you going out?
When Yu Mingshu saw that his mother was also there, he subconsciously turned the manuscript paper face down to his chest and said cautiously, "Yes, go to the East Market."
Without asking what she was going to do, He Zheng immediately said, "I'll go with you."
Seeing He Zheng inseparable from her daughter, Wu Qiuniang frowned slightly. She wanted to say something, but was afraid that she was overthinking it. After struggling with her inner thoughts for a long time, she finally didn't say anything.
Once outside the house, He Zhengcai dared to ask, "Have you heard those rumors circulating in the streets?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Yu Mingshu waved the manuscript in his hand and asked seriously, "Xingzhao, I have a question for you."
He Zheng swallowed back the concern that was about to come out, and looked at her with renewed vigor: "Tell me everything you know."
Yu Mingshu thought about what he needed to do, a sly glint in his eyes: "I want to find someone to copy this manuscript so that it can spread throughout Chang'an in a short time, but I can't let anyone find out that I'm the one who distributed it. How should I do that?"
"It's not hard for word to get out, and it's easy to do it discreetly, but to keep it completely secret... I can't guarantee that." He Zheng frowned as he spoke, then pointed to the thing in her hand, "Can I take a look first?"
Yu Mingshu hesitated for a moment, thinking about what she had written, and her cheeks inexplicably felt hot.
Seeing her hesitant expression, He Zheng waved his hand, "It's fine if you don't want to look."
"You see, it's bound to get out sooner or later anyway."
Yu Mingshu closed his eyes briefly and quickly came to terms with it. Calming himself, he solemnly handed over his 'masterpiece,' which he had written overnight.
He Zheng subconsciously scanned the text on the paper, but after reading only half a page, he realized that things were not simple. His pupils widened suddenly, his Adam's apple bobbed, and the speed of his gaze slowed down.
After a long silence, he pressed down the stack of shocking articles and asked, "You've been staying home these past two days writing this?"
Yu Mingshu coughed lightly and said, "Not entirely. I haven't missed any of the books I needed to read for the exam."
He Zheng was filled with respect. He rubbed his well-defined knuckles on the manuscript paper and quickly made up his mind: "I'll take care of this for you, and no one will be able to trace it back to you."
"You did it for me again?" Yu Mingshu's eyebrows twitched, remembering the last time she asked him for advice, he took on all the responsibilities in the same way.
If this happens every time, she dares not ask He Zheng for advice again. She'll only accumulate more and more favors—who can bear that?
He Zheng said, "I'm just idling around anyway, but it's different for you; you have to study."
Yu Mingshu was persuaded by him.
…
Two days later, a story began to circulate from Pingkangfang to the East Market.
The students, who outwardly scoff at the talk of benevolence and righteousness, would secretly gather at a tavern at night and couldn't help but open up and chat about current hot topics.
"You read that notebook too?"
"I've heard a little about it!"
"I knew the Xie family was strange. Xie Wulang and Xie Shangshu were both the eldest sons of the old prime minister, so how come Xie Shangshu is in power and has a great reputation, while Wulang is domineering and has no gentlemanly manners at all..."
"We are all born of the same root, why are we so eager to harm each other? Minister Xie is more than ten years older than Wu Lang, and now he holds great power and his position is secure. What does he have to worry about? Why resort to such methods to turn your own brother into a useless person?"
Yijuzi lowered his voice and said, "That storybook says that when Wulang was young, he stumbled upon his elder brother's shameful affair, and from then on, he was hated by Minister Xie."
Upon hearing the words "scandal," everyone couldn't help but recall the second half of the story, and whether it was from drinking too much or something else, their faces burned.
"It is said that Minister Xie did indeed visit the villa with several candidates a couple of days ago. Their behavior was friendly and harmonious, without any distinction between superiors and inferiors."
"A fellow villager of mine witnessed the Minister returning to his residence in his carriage, his face glowing with health and his expression radiant..."
"I used to think that the Xie family valued talent and treated scholars with respect, but I never imagined that they would have such a sordid affair!"
In the corner, a man in a blue robe drank the entire pot of wine in one gulp and said with a sigh, "I was puzzled a couple of days ago. I am also from Taozhou, so why did the Minister only summon Xiao Lai? Now it seems... Brother Xiao is indeed handsome."
A drunken student next to him patted him on the shoulder, "It's just a story, brother, don't take it seriously."
The man in the blue robe scoffed, "There's no smoke without fire. Without solid evidence, who would be so bold as to fabricate such a story about the Xie family?"
Another companion grinned sinisterly, "I have a plan. Brother Liu is handsome and has an elegant demeanor. Why not give it a try at the Xie family? If you succeed, you'll rise to the top; if you fail, we can just say this is all just a story..."
Enraged, the man he was referring to, Brother Liu, slapped him across the face and said, "Get lost! Go ahead and try if you want."
…
Xie Residence.
Xie Huaijin had just had a big argument with Xie Shichang over the rumors spread by Yu Mingshu, and after the argument, he even smashed a valuable white porcelain vase on the bookshelf.
Is this still the cautious and timid Xie Sanlang from the Xie family?
Xie Shichang's eyes were bloodshot as he slumped back in his chair, his right hand trembling as he pointed at Xie Huaijin: "You've lost your mind over a woman. No wonder Father wouldn't let you into the family back then."
Xie Huaijin, contrary to his usual self, retorted sarcastically: "Instigating well-read students and gossipy women to spread rumors and go to great lengths to ruin a woman's reputation, it's no wonder that your father refused to let you manage the household back then."
The wooden door creaked open, and Xie Zhang rushed in, breaking the tense atmosphere between the two.
He reported, panting heavily, "My lord, something has happened!"
Xie Shichang glanced at him and said impatiently, "What's the matter that you're so flustered?"
Xie Zhang glanced at Xie Huaijin, hesitated for a moment, then took out a storybook from his sleeve and presented it to Xie Shichang.
Xie Shichang squinted at it, but didn't bother to open it. He asked directly, "What is this?"
Xie Zhang lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "This rumor has been circulating widely, and it concerns the reputation of our lord and the honor of the Xie family..."
Upon hearing this, Xie Huaijin grabbed the storybook first, and Xie Zhang instinctively tried to stop him, but to no avail.
Xie Huaijin flipped through two pages, his eyes widened, and then he couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Xie Shichang had a vague sense of foreboding and raised an eyebrow at him: "What are you laughing at?"
"What goes around comes around, and retribution is inevitable." Xie Huaijin threw the storybook back in front of him and left in a huff.
Xie Shichang glanced at the departing figure, picked up the storybook with suspicion, looked at Xie Zhang, then at the cover of the storybook, and after hesitating several times, finally began to carefully read through it.
After reading only a few pages, he became so angry that his blood boiled, his face turned red, and he stood up in a fit of rage, throwing the storybook at Xie Zhang's feet.
Outrageous! How dare someone in Chang'an spread rumors about him! Do they really think the Xie family has fallen on hard times and can be bullied by anyone?
"Investigate immediately! Where did this bastard come from!"
Xie Zhang remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the crack in the ground, stammering and unsure how to begin.
They published the storybooks under their real names without any attempt to conceal their true intentions; they were extremely brazen, so there was no need for him to investigate.
Blinded by rage, Xie Shichang forgot that Xie Zhang was his father's right-hand man. He grabbed a chipped inkstone and smashed it down, yelling, "What are you all standing there for? Do you want me to investigate myself?"
Xie Zhang had no choice but to bite the bullet and bow, explaining the truth: "This story came from He Erlang of the Marquis of Anyuan's residence."
What a fine He Zheng, He Erlang! What a fine family of the Earl of Anyuan, He!
Xie Shichang was furious.
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