Chapter 23

Recently Ruan Xi had been feeling not quite right. He couldn’t put his finger on what exactly it was. But it definitely had something to do with the Ninth Prince Song Yi.

When it came to the Ninth Prince, Ruan Xi had always found him a conflicting persona. Of course prior to being promoted to the inner court through coming first place in the imperial examinations, he had already heard all the terrible rumors about him: his bad temper, wanton disregard for rules and mistreatment of eunuchs and maidservants. There was even a story that he’d once run out of the Palace in disguise as a rich young master and had gone to a well-known playhouse. However something about the play displeased him and he’d ordered the two terrified actors whipped on the spot in front of the entire audience. It was said that a lot of people saw but afterwards the Imperial Court quickly hushed up the incident. Considering the Emperor’s affection towards him, most court officials put up with his antics.

But Ruan Xi didn’t feel that way.

Regardless of whether the Ninth Prince would ever succeed the throne, even a few of these image damaging incidents would be enough to destabilize the public’s faith in the imperial family. Hadn’t they forgotten the previous Yuan Dynasty where there had been numerous peasant revolts against the tyrannical imperial dynasty, leading to widespread internal strife and chaos? If not for that, then how could the current Wen Dynasty have managed to grab the reigns of power?

Hence when Ruan Xi saw the Ninth Prince whipping that poor maidservant he didn’t hesitate at all to rush forward and stop him. Even if others didn’t dare to educate the tyrannical Ninth Prince, he would bravely step out!

But to his surprise the Ninth Prince hadn’t punished him at all. He’d even listened to him and then courteously asked him to come back the next day to discuss philosophy and poetry together. Gradually, Ruan Xi saw a different side of the Ninth Prince. Yes, he had a bad temper but wasn’t that just because everyone treated him as though he were some kind of monster? If everyone could just treat him like a normal person, wouldn’t that change?

Of course Yu Xian told him he was being naive. “Can someone change their nature that easily?” Yu Xian had asked skeptically. “What if he’s just trying to trick you or lure you in?”

But Ruan Xi had dismissed this. After all, Yu Xian had barely ever come into contact with the Ninth Prince and knew even less about him than Ruan Xi did. Also… privately Ruan Xi felt like Yu Xian didn’t really understand anything except fighting. He’d once tried to talk to Yu Xian about classics and philosophy but found that Yu Xian hadn’t even heard of some of them,  much less read them.

To someone like Ruan Xi, who craved a connection of the mind, this was a little bit disappointing…

But he always pushed these niggling thoughts to the back of his mind. After all, Yu Xian had protected him since he was a child and after his family had fallen on hard times. They’d promised to marry each other when they were only nine years old. The pure and unadulterated love that Yu Xian offered him was the most important thing to Ruan Xi.

As for the Ninth Prince, Ruan Xi was also willing to meet him. After all, it was his duty to try to reform him if possible. And from the comments and expressions of the other ministers and servants, Ruan Xi could tell that the Ninth Prince treated him differently to others and was especially receptive to his teachings. He would be lying if he didn’t feel a certain sense of pride and accomplishment about that. If he could be the one who could change and shape the future Emperor for the better… then how wonderful that would be?

But in the last month… what had happened?

The Ninth Prince appeared to have completely turned over a new leaf, suddenly turning from someone who slept all the way through morning assembly to someone who came fully prepared. Ruan Xi should be happy about this but...

And then there was Yu Xian…

Usually that person hung around him like a big dog he couldn’t get rid of. Everyone in the entire Imperial City knew that the valiant Young General Yu, who was the dream bridegroom of so many young noblemen and women, was infatuated with the top scholar turned ministry official Ruan Xi. Ruan Xi was used to being envied everywhere he went.

But in the last month the only times he’d seen Yu Xian was at morning court where the other person would occasionally glance at him with a look that was a mix of sadness and regret. That was probably because Ruan Xi had given his family’s doorman instructions not to allow the other person admittance no matter what. Ruan Xi was really very cross with him and what he had asked of him at the Ninth Prince’s party. Didn’t Yu Xian understand how special a man’s first time was? That he was merely trying to treasure the relationship and not cheapen it by doing it for the first time in those circumstances? And hadn’t Yu Xian solved it himself quite well afterwards? He should be thanking Ruan Xi to help him maintain his self control!

Even if the doorman didn’t let him there were still plenty of opportunities to approach him before or after court! Yu Xian should be scrambling over himself to apologize to Ruan Xi, otherwise Ruan Xi definitely wouldn’t pay any more attention to him! He should definitely be the one to apologize first!

Thinking about everything really gave Ruan Xi a big headache.

Right now one of the objects of his frustrations was standing in the front of the Hall of Longevity.

Since he’d started taking his role more seriously, Lin JunYi no longer sat in his special chair but insisted on standing with the other ministers. Also, since he’d stopped taking the ‘medication’ the Empress sent to him every month, he’d been gradually feeling stronger. However, the damage to his organs had already been done. There was no doubt that he would not be able to live a full lifetime but whether or not he’d die at twenty, or thirty, or forty was still unknown at this stage.

“Father Emperor, regarding the welcoming ceremony for the Ayam delegation next month, I would like to volunteer myself to host it.”

There was a ripple of surprise throughout the gathered ministers. Standing beside him the Sixth Prince, Song Ming, stared at him in amazement. Ruan Xi wasn’t the only one whose hackles had been raised by the newly reformed Ninth Prince. As someone nurturing secret ambitions, Song Ming had been equally apprehensive about Song Yi ostensibly turning over a new leaf. In the last few weeks he’d done his best to obstruct him in any way possible. However, the Ayam delegation’s welcoming ceremony?

This was a thankless task that usually every year the various Princes fought each other not to be responsible for!

The reason was very simple. It was because part of the welcoming ceremony traditionally contained a horse riding competition. And every year for the last decade the Ayam had won! So every year the Emperor was thrown into a rage and would take it out on whichever Prince was unlucky enough to be in charge. Hence nobody wanted to do it…

Song Ming narrowed his eyes. Song Yi must have some kind of trick up his sleeve…

He immediately stepped forward and said, “Crown Prince, I’ve never seen you express an interest in this event before. Could it be that you have some particular ideas regarding it?”

Lin JunYi nodded. “I want to change the format a little bit. Every year we lose the horse riding competition and in fact that’s not a surprise at all. Since the Ayam spend almost their entire lifetime on horseback, of course they are better riders than we are. It would be the same as if we challenged them to calligraphy or poetry. A loss is a matter of course. But at the same time it is very demoralizing. So I think we should make some changes to the competition this year.”

Song Ming immediately aimed a glance at Ruan Xi. As a newly promoted official in the Ministry of the Interior, Ruan Xi was very much favored by the Emperor. The Emperor had even asked him to personally write a book about his reign, which would live on posthumously and ensure his legacy. Since he was entrusted with such an important task, none of the ministers at court dared to take Ruan Xi lightly despite his young age.

Ruan Xi immediately stepped forward. “Your Majesty, your Emperor, this cannot be done! Tradition is very important to the Ayam people and the horse riding competition is something that has been passed down by the ancestors. Also, Your Highness needs to consider the bigger picture. Although it may seem galling to lose the competition year after year, the loss actually serves an important purpose to help maintain a harmonious relationship between our two races. Since they agreed to become our vassal state after surrendering to the Great-General Yu, they have to come each year to pay tribute. However they are not like other vassal states and their military strength and strategic position between us and the Xia Empire is very important!”

“Also, the Ayam are simpleminded and warlike people. Sometimes they may forget the good influence and culture the Great Wen has brought to them since, and only remember the humiliation of their defeat. Hence winning the horse riding competition is important to them and makes the rest of the trip more palatable for them, after all they are here to give away their gold, horses and treasures.” 

Ruan Xi paused to take a breath after philosophizing for so long but he actually wasn’t done yet. Looking at the Emperor beseechingly he said, “Your Majesty is infinitely magnamious and wouldn’t quibble about a small loss like this. Being able to concede the loss shows how grand the Great Wen is. By contrast, replacing the horse riding competition with something like calligraphy would only make a mockery of us and make the world think we are small-minded. Someone as great as Your Majesty would never allow this.”

Lin JunYi wanted to roll his eyes. Did this guy ever think about anything except his so-called ‘big picture’? Did he think he was the Holy Father, trying to protect the nation with his idealistic visions?

He cleared his throat and interrupted in a dry tone, “Minister Ruan before you go  any further, just let me say one thing. When did I say I wanted to get rid of the horse riding competition and replace it with calligraphy?”

Ruan Xi was speechless. On the throne, the Emperor said kindly, “Yi-er, what ideas do you have? My darling son, say it so we can consider it.”

Song Ming gritted his teeth. His father was much too indulgent to this wastrel! Even if Song Yi pretended to be serious about politics now, his knowledge was much too shallow! He really wanted to see what kind of tricks he could pull. 

“Of course we cannot replace it. As Minister Ruan has pointed out this is an ancient tradition passed down by the ancestors. But we can also add to it. Make it better. A hundred years ago, other than the horse riding competition there was nothing else. Now there are dances, songs, performances. Why can’t we add another form of competition?”

Ruan Xi opened his mouth to protest but Lin JunYi already knew what he was going to say so cut him off. “And of course it won’t be something as dull as calligraphy. But what about martial arts? Aren’t there many great martial artists in Great Wen - such as, for example Young General Yu?”

Yu Xian, who had been standing silently on the other side of the hall, staring fixedly at the Ninth Prince’s beautiful face, couldn't help starting and shivering when he heard his name fall from those red lips. He could still remember what those lips could do, the sensation was as vivid as though it had been carved into his bones…

“Martial arts?” A glint of brightness came into the Emperor’s eyes. “That is indeed a good idea. The Ayam also practice martial arts and would certainly not turn down a fight. It could work…”

“Your Majesty, I beg you to reconsider!” Ruan Xi broke in. “Please consider the big picture! Victory during the competition is important for the Ayam’s morale and to maintain friendly relations…”

“No, you should consider the bigger picture.” Lin JunYi shot back and Ruan Xi stared at him in disbelief. “What is ‘good and harmonious relations’? You think just letting them win a horse riding competition is going to make them forget their defeat? Do you think so little of their intelligence? Compared to that, I think constantly losing to them will instead stir up their fighting spirit, their resentment. They may begin to think that their defeat during the North-Western Wars was but a fluke. Is that not disrespecting the tens of thousands of Wen  soldiers who passed away? What is ‘good and harmonious relations’? Is not reminding the Ayam about the superiority of the Zhou soldiers and preventing them from thinking about rebelling and thus avoiding another war that could cost so many lives on either side!”

There was a silence as Ruan Xi’s mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. Lin JunYi turned to Yu Xian. “If a martial art competition was held and the Ayam send their best fighter to the stand, how confident would Young General Yu be about a victory?”

Yu Xian looked at Lin JunYi and then said quietly, “If I was the representative and there were no unusual circumstances, then… 100 percent.”

“Good. So a win each. That’s not too much to ask, is it? And then after that will be the dance performance ‘Peony’s Farewell’, symbolizing the Ayam Princess who gave her life for the Wen General. Wouldn’t that be a grand and touching finish to  symbolize the ‘good and harmonious’ relations between the two peoples?”

Lin JunYi looked at Ruan Xi’s pale and stricken face and raised an eyebrow. He  thought with a faint snicker; A protagonist who can’t use his halo… can he still be called a protagonist? If a protagonist suddenly finds himself reduced to cannon fodder, what will his next course of action be…?

***

After morning court had finished, Song Ming rushed to catch up with Ruan Xi outside the Hall of Heavenly Justice. He called gently, “Minister Ruan? Are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale.”

Ruan Xi’s face was indeed a little bit ugly. But when he saw Song Ming looking at him he only made a wry expression and said softly, “I’m sorry that I couldn’t be of more help, Your Highness.”

Song Ming shook his head. He and Ruan Xi had become friends some time ago, after realizing they shared similar ideals and ideas, both being learned and intellectual.  They had spent quite a few afternoons having very pleasant discussions and Song Ming was impressed with Ruan Xi’s elegant manner and educated mind. Previously he felt that Ruan Xi also had good feelings towards the Ninth Prince as well but now it didn’t seem that way anymore. 

“It’s no matter. It’s not a big deal to let the Ninth Prince handle the Ayam delegation. It’s a job nobody wants anyway.” Song Ming sighed. “What worries me more is Father Emperor’s indulgence of him. If he really one day decided to pass on the Crown Prince’s position to him….” He trailed off but Ruan Xi’s face immediately became very grave. They looked at each other with an appearance of great forbearance and tacit understanding.

Song Ming said gently, “Most of the ministers in the court just follow which way the wind is blowing. Whatever Father Emperor thinks is good, they don’t dare question. A brave and forthright official like Minister Ruan is too rare. In the future, the fate of the Empire will rest on Minister Ruan’s shoulders.”

Ruan Xi flushed a little bit with pleasure when hearing these words. He was just about to reply when he saw Yu Xian walking out. When he saw him, Ruan Xi’s chest was immediately filled with a stuffy feeling and he bit his lip, feeling greatly wronged. 

Then he heard the Sixth Prince calling out to him. “Young General Yu.”

Yu Xian checked his footsteps and came over to them. When he saw Ruan Xi he looked surprised and even hesitated slightly. It was clear that, as he was walking out, he had been distracted by something else and hadn’t been looking for him at all. Seeing that Ruan Xi’s feelings of being wronged became even stronger and he almost wanted to cry.

“Sixth Prince, Minister Ruan.” Yu Xian bowed.

Song Ming said gently and with his voice lowered, “We are all friends here so let’s do away with formalities. Yu Xian. Don’t you think you owe Ruan Xi an apology?”

Yu Xian flushed and a guilty expression came to his eyes. “Xiao-Xi….”

"No, don’t apologize!” Ruan Xi said stridently. Tears were welling up at the corner of his eyes. “I can’t bear it!” 

Seeing it, Yu Xian’s heart softened. He felt as though it was the greatest crime on earth to make Ruan Xi cry. He said quickly, “I’m sorry I haven’t gone by to look for you in the last few weeks. I had a lot on my mind, I know it’s no excuse but…” He trailed off. The truth was he didn’t know how to face Ruan Xi after doing that with the Ninth Prince. Not only that but… there had been a strange unwillingness to see him too. He couldn’t exactly explain it… it was like the thought of Ruan Xi, even the image of him, conjured up strange and conflicting emotions. It made his head hurt intensely. Yu Xian had just chalked it up to feelings of guilt and avoided him.

“What?” Ruan Xi asked blankly. “You haven’t come to look for me?”

The two of them stared at each other in confusion. Ruan Xi was the first to recover and flushed with humiliation. Yu Xian hadn’t come to look for him in weeks?! Did that mean that all the instructions he’d given to bar the other person was for nothing?! Yu Xian hadn’t even realized he was being punished and had actually been avoiding him?!

Song Ming’s sharp eyes flickered quickly between the two of them. Then he said, “I am referring to the assembly just now. Considering your relationship, don’t you think you should have been more supportive of Ruan Xi’s feelings and opinions?”

Yu Xian was still staring at Ruan Xi with a frown on his face. After a while he said slowly, “So because I’m considering his feelings, I should lie? The Ninth Prince’s idea was indeed good, and something which would greatly benefit and honor my men, both alive and who have fallen. Ruan Xi, aren’t you always thinking of people other than yourself? I didn’t think you’d care about something small like this.”

“I… I don’t… of course I don’t. Although I still don’t agree with the Ninth Prince’s plan… of course you should not agree with me just because of our relationship.” Ruan Xi said hastily.

Yu Xian nodded. Still staring at Ruan Xi he said tentatively, “Xiao-Xi, should I go find you tonight?”

Ruan Xi bit his lip. A sour feeling washed through him and he said, “Do what you like!’ Throwing down these words, he ran away quickly. He heard footsteps running after him and was relieved. But when a hand reached out to grab him, he was disappointed to discover it was the Sixth Prince and not Yu Xian.

“Ruan Xi are you all right?”

When Ruan Xi saw Song Ming’s tender and gentle face, full of concern, the sour feeling in his chest overflowed and tears sprang into his eyes. When Song Ming saw him crying, he immediately pulled him into a private corner and pressed his hands tenderly to comfort him.

“Ruan Xi, don’t be upset.” Song Ming said. “Young General Yu has always been a little bit simpleminded and insensitive. It’s just the way he is. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you.”

Ruan Xi cried harder. “He doesn’t know how to comfort me at all! A few weeks ago he… well I don’t want to tell you because it’s private but… he made an unreasonable request of me okay! Of course I turned him down but then afterwards, he actually didn’t come to apologize to me but avoided me instead! How could he do that?! How insensitive is he?!”

Song Ming looked at him sideways and said, “Everyone knows Young General Yu is a valiant warrior. His military prowess is unrivaled. Since that’s the case, it’s not unusual that he may be… lacking… in other areas. As for Minister Ruan is an intellectual and a romantic, so it’s not unusual for the two of you to have misunderstandings.”

Song Ming’s voice was gentle but his intentions were not. In fact Ruan Xi didn’t realize it himself but prior to becoming good friends with Song Ming, he’d never thought that Yu Xian was simpleminded or cloddish. It was only after Song Ming started saying it repetitively that he noticed Yu Xian’s lacking areas.

Song Ming continued to say quietly, “Actually I’ve always thought the two of you are actually quite mismatched and don’t share any common interests…”

Ruan Xi frowned.

***