Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 31

A lone lamp, a cold night.

Yan Huan pushed open the door, walked to the desk, and reported, “The Prince of Jing has departed.”

He had arrived before noon and lingered until after the evening meal. Who knew where this prince found such patience.

Wei Xiu remained focused on her writing. Without lifting her head, she gave a low hum of acknowledgment.

Yan Huan, however, had a hidden worry. “The Prince of Jing is more capable than the Prince of Jin and quite steady. If he were to gain the Emperor’s favor and be established as Crown Prince in a few years…”

Finishing the last stroke on the bamboo slip, Wei Xiu set down her brush. She lifted the slip to dry it over a brazier, remarking nonchalantly, “If he is so capable, why would he have assisted the Prince of Jin for so many years?”

A hundred years ago, people had already learned to make paper, but many works of the ancient sages were written on bamboo slips. Thus, in a scholar’s study, bamboo slips still occupied a significant space. Many of these works were the only existing copies; if destroyed, they would be lost forever.

Yan Huan was also puzzled. “That is true. Why must the Prince of Jing subordinate himself to another?”

The ink on the bamboo slip dried. Wei Xiu carefully rolled it up and set it aside. “Some people are just like that. They can be chancellors but not rulers, skilled only at assisting others.”

Having said this, she pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write again.

Seeing Wei Xiu writing with such concentration, Yan Huan knew she had instructions for him and stood to the side, waiting in silence.

A series of names, already clear in her mind, flowed from Wei Xiu’s brush in one go. She read the list over to ensure there were no omissions before handing it to Yan Huan. “These men are all upright officials. If they were to enter officialdom, they would surely be capable ministers. It is a pity their humble origins have prevented them from being given important positions. Send reliable people to persuade them to join the Princess’s service.”

The Princess’s faction was newly established and had not yet made a name for itself. Most of those who had submitted letters of self-recommendation over the past month were fame-seekers, unfit for important roles. Wei Xiu could not stand by idly; she had to lend the Princess a hand.

Yan Huan received it with both hands. After a quick glance, he saw more than a dozen names written on the paper and hesitated slightly. “The Princess is, after all, a woman. They may not appreciate the gesture. I fear that after we go to the trouble of recommending them to the court, they will forget how they gained their positions, bringing no benefit to the Princess.”

Puyang was, after all, a princess who could neither ascend the throne nor hold a position in court. With the various princes currently at court, ambitious men mostly sought to serve under them; very few would think of Puyang. There was also the fear that they would merely use the Princess’s residence as a stepping stone, discarding it once used and forgetting how they had secured their careers.

How could Wei Xiu not know this? “It is indeed difficult, but I have no other choice.” In her eyes, the princes, though men, were inferior to the Princess. She had originally planned to wait a few more years to see if a worthy imperial grandson might emerge to be supported. Who would have known she would end up saving the gravely injured Princess? It could be considered the will of heaven.

She rubbed her temples. “I will simply have to plan more carefully for the Princess. These men are all of upright and moral character; they would not commit such acts of ingratitude. You just go ahead.” Once the men were brought in, the rest would depend on the Princess’s own abilities.

Yan Huan accepted the order. Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard Wei Xiu ask again, “How are our few men in the army doing now?”

A gentle smile appeared on Yan Huan’s face. “Each has had his achievements. Zhou Qi is the most outstanding; he has already been promoted to Colonel of the Shuji Garrison.”

Several years ago, Wei Xiu had recruited many people and found ways to place them within the army, with Zhou Qi being the most prominent among them. He was originally a wandering adventurer from Longcheng with a passion for military affairs and considerable skill, but he lacked connections. Wei Xiu devised a plan for him and subsequently helped him achieve merit on several occasions, leading to his current position. Zhou Qi was both impressed by and loyal to Wei Xiu. He never failed to send letters and gifts during festivals, and even his name, Qi, had been chosen for him by Wei Xiu upon his request.

“Colonel of the Shuji Garrison…” Wei Xiu pondered for a moment. Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, her gaze cleared in an instant. She smiled. “His courage surpasses the entire army; this day was bound to come sooner or later. Tell him to train his troops well. Before long, he will be of great use.”

To be of great use in the army meant there must be a war. But the borders of Great Wei were currently peaceful, and there was no news of any major battles to be fought. How could one achieve merit? Yet, Yan Huan had not the slightest doubt. The Young Master’s words were always accurate, never mistaken.

He looked up and saw Wei Xiu under the lone lamp, once again looking through several recent official reports the Princess had sent her. Her brows were tightly furrowed in deep concentration as she pored over them word by word, completely absorbed. Her slender figure cast a solitary shadow on the wall, making her seem even more desolate and lonely. Yan Huan suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. He retreated on tiptoe and, upon meeting A Rong at the door, quietly urged her to take good care of the Young Master.

Two days later, Puyang came in high spirits to invite Wei Xiu to West Mountain.

It was just past noon. Wei Xiu was sitting in the main hall, listening to Puyang say cheerfully, “The villa is ready. If we set out now, we’ll arrive just as night falls. We can rest for the night, and tomorrow morning, we can tread on the snow to view the plum blossoms and heat a pot of fine wine to liven things up. Wouldn’t that be delightful?”

“Tea,” Wei Xiu corrected.

Puyang was not pleased. She was not one for heavy drinking, but they had clearly agreed last time. Puyang remained silent, just looking at Wei Xiu, her beautiful eyes accusing her of breaking her word.

Wei Xiu could not bear the silent accusation and said, “How about I personally brew fragrant tea for Your Highness?” She was attempting to compensate her, while thinking to herself that if the Princess still refused, she would have no choice but to break her own rule.

Who would have thought that Puyang’s face would instantly light up? Looking at her, she said, “Alright.”

West Mountain was located to the west of Luoyang. The scenery on the mountain was pleasant, a place of rare elegance for the northern lands. Consequently, many high officials and nobles enjoyed building villas on the mountain for excursions and relaxation.

They arrived at West Mountain just as dusk was falling.

The Princess might not even visit once a year. For this visit, everyone in the villa naturally put forth their utmost effort to serve her. They estimated the time and prepared a banquet to welcome the Princess and Sir Wei and wash away the dust of their journey.

The mountains were full of game, and even in the dead of winter, the staff had managed to procure some fresh catch. A fire was set up in the main hall, roasting a whole lamb. The meat was plump and firm, and the cooking method was superb. The aroma was so tantalizing that the mere smell was enough to whet one’s appetite.

With meat, there must naturally be wine. The wine was brought by Wei Xiu, brewed by her own hands. She now had someone heat it to liven the mood for the Princess. Puyang held her cup. The liquid within was as clear as water, its aroma pure and sharp. A small sip sent a jolt through her, clearing her mind. With a second sip, warmth spread from her stomach throughout her entire body.

After finishing the cup of wine, a hint of intoxication colored Puyang’s eyes. She propped her chin on one hand and gazed at the Sir beside her, who seemed to be bathed in a soft glow under the lamplight.

A simple and noble gentleman, as beautiful as the finest jade.

No one had ever captivated her gaze like the Sir. Puyang found it interesting. The palace had no shortage of beauties. She had seen many in His Majesty’s harem, both favored and unfavored. There was even once a female entertainer whose fame shook the world. A local official, seeking to curry favor with the Son of Heaven, had sent her to the capital as a tribute to His Majesty. As a world-renowned beauty, she was naturally extraordinary. Puyang had seen her with her own eyes—she was truly beautiful. When she danced, she was graceful and enchanting, her movements fluid, her beauty innate. Every frown and smile carried a bone-deep charm that seemed capable of stealing one’s very soul. She had never seen a woman more delicate and captivating than that entertainer.

But even so, she had only glanced at her once. After that single look, she lost interest, let alone taking a second glance.

But the Sir was different. At this moment, Puyang even felt that she would love looking at her even if the Sir’s appearance were ordinary. To say she was coveting beauty was not quite right; in truth, it had nothing to do with beauty at all.

A nearby attendant refilled her cup. The fragrance of the wine lingered in the air, truly intoxicating. But Puyang felt that if she were to become drunk, it would surely be because of the person before her.

A kitchen servant held a dagger, carving meat from the whole lamb.

Wei Xiu focused on her food. The lamb was sprinkled with unknown spices, roasted until the flavor penetrated deep within. It was rich but not greasy. With one bite, juices filled her mouth. It was delicious.

Puyang propped her chin on her hand, looked at Wei Xiu, and smiled gently. “Sir does not drink, yet you remembered to bring a jar for me. For such deep friendship, I am eternally grateful.”

Wei Xiu put down her chopsticks. “It is a small matter. What does Your Highness think of the wine?”

“It is good. It clears one’s thoughts.”

Wei Xiu could not help but find it amusing. Could she be drunk after just one cup? The Princess often attended banquets; her tolerance should not be so low.

After the banquet, the entire pot of wine was empty.

Puyang’s face was flushed, as if she were slightly drunk. She walked with Wei Xiu to the rear courtyard where they would part ways. Wei Xiu was ultimately worried and said with concern, “Perhaps I should have someone prepare a sobering tea for Your Highness to drink.”

Puyang chuckled lightly and gave her a deep look. “How can wine intoxicate a person?”

With that, she gracefully departed with her attendants.

Wei Xiu stood stunned on the spot. Only after the Princess’s silk robes had fluttered away and her radiant steps had disappeared into the night did she furrow her brow in thought. What had Her Highness meant just now?

If wine does not intoxicate a person, what does?

The mountain was damp and cold, and at night, the wind howled. Wei Xiu shivered, only then realizing she had been standing there for a long time. She gathered her robes more tightly and had A Rong push her back to her room.