Joy of Life

The mink fur coat was warm. Watching the figure gradually disappearing into the wind and snow, Fan Xian’s heart was also warm. This life of his had truly been somewhat astonishing and calculating. Although it was full and substantial, it also made one tired. The chance to interact with simple and pure people was a rare luxury.

Withdrawing his gaze from the snow falling in the distance, Fan Xian’s heart suddenly jumped. He developed a strange feeling. It was as if he would obtain new experiences next spring when the Sword Hut opened for the last time.

He walked to the side of the black carriage and lifted his right leg. Lowering his head, he carefully scraped the snow and mud from the bottom of his shoe. As he scraped, he thought. After a long time, he finally lifted the thick curtain to the carriage and burrowed in. A gust of hot wind washed over his face. Inside the expansive Overwatch Council carriage, a specially made stove was giving off a spring-like air. Compared to the frozen land outside the carriage, it was two completely different worlds.

Fan Xian accepted a towel and brushed away the snowflakes on his collar. “He’s already gone far. We can go back now, right?”

Ye Ling’er took the towel from his hand and lowered her head. Her long eyelashes adorned her bright eyes, as well as the complicated emotion within them. Quietly, she said, “I’m not here to send him off.”

“If you’re not here to see him off, are you here to admire the snow with me?” Fan Xian asked without good humor. “I really don’t understand what you two are thinking. It’s already been more than a month, yet you two are still like when you first met in Qingzhou.”

“Teacher, I haven’t thought about anything.” Ye Ling’er raised her head.

“Next year, Sigu Jian is going to die. Dongyi is split into two factions, and they’re fighting endlessly. Thirteenth Wang will probably have to worry a lot on his trip back to Dongyi. Although he is Sigu Jian’s last disciple, he doesn’t have any connections.” Fan Xian thought about it and slowly said, “I’m afraid there will still have to a battle.”

“Can you help him?” Ye Ling’er asked with slight anxiety. “He’s done a lot for the Overwatch Council.”

“There is no need for you to tell me that. He works for me, of course, I have to reciprocate,” Fan Xian said. “Sigu Jian’s attitude toward me is sufficiently sincere. Although that old creature does not want to make any deals with the Emperor, it should be no problem for him to talk business with me.”

He suddenly looked at Ye Ling’er and said quietly, “The problem is, after he returns to Dongyi, he will probably stay there permanently. Have you thought about that problem?”

“Why would I have thought about that?” After the Second Prince died, Ye Ling’er had not recovered her previous easy-going attitude. She had become more silent and mature. Although she continued to talk and laugh without restraint in front of Fan Xian and those familiar to her, Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er could both see the shadow in the depths of her heart.

It was not until she met Thirteenth Wang in Qingzhou and each looked at the other like a landscape did Ye Ling’er’s state of mind seemed to walk out from among the military at the borders. Fan Xian was happy to see this kind of change. He also knew that given Thirteenth Wang’s identity, the matter between them would be difficult.

He shook his head and didn’t continue pursuing the question. It was Ye Ling’er, because of his thoughts, who remembered the issue recently troubling these young people. Looking at Fan Xian, she carefully asked, “So, Ruoruo’s matter will just be delayed?”

As soon as the matter was raised, Fan Xian’s mind was filled with lawsuits. He had originally thought with King Jing and his son playing the opposing role, the Emperor would go with the flow and withdraw this muddle-headed marriage. Unexpectedly, the Emperor was stubborn and used the excuse of the Fan family having rejected King Jing’s intention for marriage to completely ignored the ruckus.

“We’ll delay for now. There has to be some weight to our combined face. The Emperor cannot forcefully push this through.” Fan Xian pressed his lips together and thought that if his sister was willing to marry Hongcheng, then this matter would be much easier. At least, in front of the Emperor, there would be more reason to their fight.

“I don’t know He Zongwei, but I hear his reputation is pretty good. I don’t understand where your anger is coming from,” Ye Ling’er said casually.

“Anger?” Fan Xian smiled and didn’t elaborate. Indistinctly, he mumbled, “If the He and Fan families join in marriage, wouldn’t that become a boxed lunch [JW1]?”

“What rice [JW2]?”

“Eight treasures rice.”

“Oh, right. Governor Wang is putting on a banquet at Yishi Tavern. Wan’er told me to remind you not to arrive late,” Ye Ling’er said seriously.

Fan Xian’s heart dropped. He only just remembered an amusing story. For the sake of the Great Prince taking on a Secondary fei, Fan Xian bravely took on the heavy responsibility of teaching the young lady of the Wang family. Immediately after, the matter of the Palace appointing a marriage happened. In a sinister rage, Fan Xian’s scolding did not leave any leeway. It forced Wang Tong’er to storm out of the manor in anger. He also heavily offended the Commander of the Jingdou Garrison, Shi Fei.

He had thought that after this scolding, Wang Tong’er would certainly be angry and never want to return to the manor again. Unexpectedly, a few days later, Wang Tong’er implored Shi Fei to bring her to the Fan manor again. She beseeched Sir Fan junior to accept her as a disciple. Her words were sincere. She said she had already changed a great deal and would not commit such outrages again.

The young lady of the Wang family suddenly becoming so thoughtful surprised Fan Xian greatly. It seemed the unruly young lady truly loved the Great Prince. Otherwise, she would certainly not demean herself like that.

It was the second day since Yanjing Governor had returned to the capital to debrief. He had personally invited Fan Xian to the banquet to thank him for teaching his daughter on his behalf.

“Wang Tong’er is your fan.” Fan Xian furrowed his brows. “Have you met her?”

Ye Ling’er could guess what “fan” meant and smiled helplessly. “I met her many years ago. At that time, she was still a little kid. Who would have thought that her temper would become so big after she grew up?”

“She’s much more obedient now.” Fan Xian closed his eyes. “It seems like all young ladies are the same. They’re all masochists. Without a few hard beatings, it is impossible for them to listen to reason.”

Ye Ling’er’s expression became embarrassed. Thinking of past affairs in Jingdou, she glared viciously at Fan Xian and said, “Are you talking about me?”

Fan Xian kept his eyes closed, but a light smile rose to the corners of his lips. He said, “Back then, you would only admit after being pressed. Now, you’re confessing without being pressed.”

As the two people talked, the carriage slowly turned back to Jingdou. Pressing down on the ice and snow and the road, it followed the deep marks forward.

Fan Xian felt that the interior of the carriage was overly stuffy. He lifted a corner of the curtain, hoping for some refreshing winter wind to seep in. However, his eyes followed the window of the carriage and glanced out to see a road of silver branches and snow-covered trees. It was a quiet and beautiful landscape.

He gazed at the scene in a daze and couldn’t help but think of himself. He couldn’t put too much pressure on He Zongwei, but he wasn’t very worried. After he had resolved the Dongyi matter next year and performed a great service for the Qing Kingdom, no matter how harsh and merciless the Emperor was, he would probably be unwilling to continue pressuring him.

However, in this path of wind and snow, the horse moved forward with difficulty. Fan Xian suddenly felt that he was like a horse in the Emperor’s halter. He was forced to work hard to push through the wind and snow while dragging a giant carriage and moving forward into the distance. But, that distant place may not be where the horse wanted to go.

He took in a deep breath and allowed the cold wind to freeze his chest and the heart hidden within it. Putting down the curtain, he closed his eyes in quiet thought. Regardless of whether it was Xiliang or Dongyi, his hard work and struggle were all for the sake of being a lackey to the Emperor. He didn’t want to change all of that. In the entire world, the only person he didn’t have the courage to challenge for now was this unfathomable Emperor.

If Uncle Wu Zhu and the chest were still by his side, the situation would be different. However, that difference might not be good. Fan Xian shook his head and threw away the annoying possibility. Although Uncle Wu Zhu was his servant in name, in reality, he was his closest family. Each person needed to find the thing most important to their life.

Fortunately, the Emperor had already changed a lot. Judging from his recent grudge against Fan Xian and King Jing, although it was excessive, at least it showed some character. Perhaps it was old man character. Regardless of what kind of character, at least it proved that the Emperor was beginning to walk out from the altar and was no longer a lofty figure of splendor and nothingness.

…

…

Winter left, and spring came. In the lovely spring sunshine, the Qing Kingdom had long sent away the countless muddled snowfalls and welcomed the warmer weather, newly grow green sprouts, and blooming flowers.

The most important county in the northeast of the Qing Kingdom, Yanjing, welcomed a group of particularly important people. It was already the third month of the year. The young trees on either side of the official road waved their branches, swaying in the spring breeze like a child holding up flowers and crying out “Welcome! Welcome!” It looked like even these plants knew the importance of this group.

Yanjing was to the north. From Jingdou, it was straight toward Xiao Mountain, then north through a commonly used road toward Cangzhou, and finally northeast to reach the large city. Decades ago, it was still a city of the Wei Kingdom, historically known as Nanjing. It had been forcefully taken by the Qing Kingdom’s mighty Emperor. Its name was changed to Yanjing, in reference to swallows returning with mud in their beaks.

As for whether Yanjing was where the Qing ancestors had come from a thousand years ago, no one knew. However, Yanjing’s name at least gave the Qing Kingdom a proper heritage. Additionally, the customs there were weak. Most people lived in the transition between governing powers and did not have any deep sense of culture. The Qing Kingdom had only ruled for 30 years, yet it had become a familiar land. It firmly became a capital away from the capital.

Yanjing was big and bustling. It was bordered by a dozen small countries that Dongyi controlled and particularly close to the Song Kingdom. If the Qing Kingdom wanted to try to conquer Dongyi, the army had to leave from Yanjing. For 20 years, the soldiers on the Yanjing border were the elite of the Qing army elite. They were on par with the Dingzhou army in Xiliang and the Northern Camp near the Cangzhou.

Yanjing was the largest city the Qing Kingdom had conquered and greatest proof of the Qing Emperor’s martial prowess. Thus, the court had always been very attentive toward it. Not only did it invest large amounts of people, resources, and wealth into the military matters, it was also treated as a special case in state affairs. The civil officials posted in Yanjing were all adjusted to be half a rank higher. Even the six departments had their own bureaus in Yanjing.

Everyone knew that the reason for such generous treatment was because to the east was Dongyi, while toward the north through Cangzhou was Northern Qi. If the Qing Kingdom wished to unite the world, Yanjing would be where the armies were deployed from and the front lines of their camps.

The Qing Emperor had prepared for this for 30 years. He had operated Yanjing as tightly as a drum. No one knew just how much grain and weapons were stored within the city.

The head of the military in Yanjing was Governor Wang Zhikun. He was deeply trusted by the Emperor. During the internal conflict in the seventh year of the Qing calendar, Yanjing Camp had played an important role in stabilizing the kingdom. It was precisely because of the Yanjing Camp’s powerful strength that the Cangzhou Northern Camp, which had lost Yan Xiaoyi, could be so smoothly taken over by Shi Fei. The officials of Dongshan Road had been helpless to retaliate.

The lead civil official in Yanjing was also an important figure. Mei Zhili was the student of Duke Liu. About seven years ago, he had held the position of Jingdou magistrate. After a number of promotions, he came to Yanjing. He had since become a full second-level local official, only half a rank below the Governor of a Road.

Both of these major figures were waiting with a slight smile outside Yanjing. There was not a trace of confusion on the faces of the officials and subordinates next to them. These officials and generals knew that although this group was not the Emperor’s entourage, it was almost of the same rank. Furthermore, the daughter of Governor Wang was also in the carriages.

…

…

Amidst the music, countless tablets and the sword-holding eunuch passed by. The carriage stopped in front of the welcoming officials. A young official, wearing black official robes with a light yellow silk ribbon tied at his waist, lifted the curtain and stood before the crowd.

Fan Xian had come forth with the status of imperial envoy, so he was not surprised by the array in front of him. He smiled uncomfortably and accompanied Governor Wang and Sir Mei in solemnly and seriously carrying out all the processes. He then finally letting out a breath. Inviting both of them to rise, he greeted them.

Wang Zhikun and Mei Zhili repeatedly protested it. Although both of them were important official, they knew it was better to be respectful when meeting this young man. Otherwise, who knew what kind of tragic ending would befall them?

They had heard that life for the currently popular Sir He was not very good at the moment.

Wang Zhikun had only gone back to the capital in the winter to debrief. He had met Fan Xian a few times then, so he was not a stranger. Since Fan Xian had also brought Wang Tong’er back, he also had the status of Wang Tong’er’s teacher. Thus, Wang Zhikun was particularly warm toward him. Other than politeness, he purposely appeared more at ease.

Fan Xian watched all of this with a smile. He guessed that this elder of the military was purposely letting Sir Mei see this. Regardless of whether it was in Dingzhou or Yanjing, there was always friction between the military and political departments. Presumably, Governor Wang thought that with him in the court as support, Mei Zhili and the civil officials would be more cautious.

Mei Zhili laughed a little at the side. He then walked forward and said to Fan Xian, “Is your father well?”

Fan Xian replied, “Father is living comfortably in Danzhou. The Duke is also well.”

The Duke he mentioned was Lady Liu’s father and Mei Zhili’s teacher. Wang Zhikun watched this from the side and felt a bit apprehensive. Only now did he understand that old Mei and Sir Fan junior had long known each other.

Fan Xian and Mei Zhili were indeed old acquaintances. The first sensational thing Fan Xian did after entering the capital had been done right under Mei Zhili’s nose. In the matter of punching Guo Baokun, Mei Zhili had been of great help to the Fan manor.

“Why did you run to Yanjing instead of staying in court?” Fan Xian asked with a smile.

Mei Zhili lowered his voice and laughed. “The position of Jingdou magistrate is not a job for a human. It is better to quickly run far away.”

The elder and youth laughed loudly together. Mei Zhili slanted a glance at Wang Zhikun with unspeakable pride, thinking, You’re using your daughter to connect with the Duke of Danbo, but I am using his parents. You decide for yourself who is closer and who is further.

Fan Xian laughed in spite of himself and said, “Look at what you’re saying. I don’t think Sir Sun is finding it difficult.”

After these words were said, even Wang Zhikun couldn’t resist stroking his beard and smiling. He thought the young man was indeed ruthless. Everyone in officialdom knew of the Jingdou magistrate, Sun Jingxiu, who had profited from disaster. If his daughter had not sold him out, he would probably have died on ago. Each time the officialdom spoke of this matter, they couldn’t resist discussing it with shifty eyes. How much harm had Sir Fan junior brought to the young lady of the Sun family for her to do such a thing as putting righteousness before family?

Fan Xian was only passing through Yanjing. His main goal was to go to Dongyi and attend Sigu Jian’s last opening of the Sword Hut.

Everyone knew that this opening was probably the Great Grandmaster’s last time meeting with the people of the world. The opening ceremony this time was also very large. Not only would the nobles within Dongyi and surrounding countries pay a visit, even Northern Qi and the Qing Kingdom, the two great powers in the world, had received invitations.

Everyone guessed that Sigu Jian was probably going to use this last opening of the Sword Hu to determine the future direction of Dongyi. Neither Northern Qi nor the Qing court would neglect it. They all sent out representatives. Because of Fan Xian’s connection to Thirteenth Wang, he had become the Qing Kingdom’s representative.

As for the imperial envoy taking Wang Tong’er back to Yanjing along the way, it was because the matter of the Great Prince taking on a Secondary fei had been settled conclusively. When June came, the marriage would happen. However, the connotations of Secondary fei were not very good. For the sake of Wang Zhikun’s face, the Emperor attached particular importance to this, so he allowed the young lady to first return home and be summoned the thousands of li into Jingdou. In Fan Xian’s opinion, it was a waste of time. But, the Wang family was thankful for the imperial favor and exceptionally happy, so he could only tire himself.

That night, Fan Xian and his group rested in the governor’s manor. After Wang Tong’er joyfully greeted Fan Xian, she ran to her boudoir and waited for the nannies to teach her the etiquette of marriage.

At the feast, Wang Zhikun looked at Fan Xian somewhat awkwardly and said, “We’ve truly troubled you these few months.”

The Governor knew the Great Prince’s attitude toward taking a Secondary fei. Although he liked the Great Prince a lot and was willing to marry his daughter to him, as a father, he always worried about his daughter. He knew that if Sir Fan junior had not shouldered the matter, it would likely be far more troublesome.

Fan Xian smiled and didn’t speak about it. Lowering his eyelids slightly, he asked in a quiet voice, “Who is going from Northern Qi?”

[JW1] Boxed lunch is phonetically the same as putting the names He and Fan together.

[JW2] Rice has the same phonetic sound as Fan.