TSLSILMH Ch 29

Chapter 29

Xie Shu’s fingertips unconsciously curled at his side. It was only when he raised his hand that he realized—how could he have entertained such a frivolous impulse towards the Young Lord?

At that moment, his gaze met the Young Lord’s. Yu Chuxi was looking at him intently, seemingly unaware of his intent, as though willing to accept anything from him.

That instant felt as though it stretched into eternity.

Xie Shu reined in his thoughts, and then a solemn smile appeared upon his lips. He said softly, “Young Lord, wait here in peace for my return.”

Seeing Yu Chuxi nod in assent, Xie Shu finally stepped forward and left through the Yu family gates, boarding the carriage waiting at the entrance. Yet as he mounted the carriage, he could not help but glance back, only to find the Young Lord watching him from afar.

As Xie Shu climbed aboard, the minor official sent to deliver the summons inevitably cast him a sidelong glance.

He was one of Wan Linming’s trusted aides, thus fully aware of his master’s intentions, and he had been observing Xie Shu closely all along.

And what he saw was that this man was even more outstanding than the rumors suggested. Not only was his bearing impeccable, but the tenderness with which he parted from his spouse left no trace of suspicion that there might be a third party involved.

With that realization, the underling understood his master’s purpose more clearly.

Xie Shu also took note of the young man who had come. Though still youthful, his attire and demeanor were refined and precise. Xie Shu wondered whose command had brought him.

Attempting to start a conversation, he said: “I am Xie Shu. May I know how to address this gentleman?”

The aide had not expected such courtesy. Men of their humble position were rarely shown regard by those of higher standing.

With a smile, he replied: “Master Xie need not be so formal. You may call this lowly one Li Ming. As for other matters, I am under orders and cannot say more.”

After pausing briefly, he added: “Master Xie, you need not worry. Simply answer truthfully later.”

Xie Shu nodded, knowing this was all the young man could disclose. It seemed indeed related to the case.

Judging from Li Ming’s demeanor, Xie Shu could at least be assured that this summons bore no trace of having been procured by Yu Wanchun’s bribes. With that certainty, he settled himself for the journey, closing his eyes to rest while silently reviewing all events once more to ensure nothing was overlooked.

When the carriage came to a halt, Li Ming led him out. Xie Shu discovered they had arrived at the Prefectural Office of Ying Tian.

Before him rose a row of wooden barriers and the wide-open gate, its maw resembling that of a beast. Beside it stood a red-lacquered drum with a white surface—the so-called “Drum of Appeals.” Aside from guards stationed at the entrance, there were no common folk allowed near.

Following Li Ming into the premises, Xie Shu was soon guided into a side hall. There, Li Ming told him to wait awhile.

Xie Shu complied without protest, though his heart bore some unease. He had imagined he would be taken to a chamber for reviewing the case; he had not expected to be placed in a side hall.

Yet he remained vigilant, and before long a man in plain attire approached. He appeared to be in his early forties, dignified in countenance, with a neatly trimmed mustache. His sharp eyes swept over Xie Shu from head to toe.

Though Xie Shu did not know his identity, he surmised this must be none other than the “master” Li Ming had spoken of.

Standing poised yet respectful, he saluted: “This junior, Xie Shu, greets the honored sir.”

Wan Linming’s expression remained inscrutable. “So, you are Xie Shu? These past days your name has reached my ears more than once.”

Seating himself without waiting for Xie Shu to respond, Wan Linming narrowed his eyes, studying every detail of his face before remarking in a sterner tone: “Xie Shu, you became a licentiate at fourteen. That alone stirred quite a commotion in Jinling at the time. Why then, in the six years since, have you shown no further progress?”

Xie Shu had not expected such bluntness. Indeed, to attain licentiate status at fourteen was exceedingly rare, a mark of true brilliance. As for why the former self had failed in subsequent years, perhaps the burden of high reputation, unsettled state of mind, or negligence in studies had been to blame.

Yet Xie Shu displayed no shame. With calm composure he answered: “This unworthy student’s talent is shallow; it was only chance that led to such early success. The more I study now, the more I realize how much I lack.”

Wan Linming saw that he spoke with humility rather than arrogance, and a glimmer of surprise flickered in his eyes. Yet his voice grew even more pressing: “If that’s so, you ought to have been devoted to your studies. Why then did you withdraw from Jinling Academy three years ago? Was the academy’s instruction inferior to what you could learn at home?”

Xie Shu felt a headache. He himself knew nothing of why the former body had withdrawn. Still, he must frame an answer, lest it seem he was trying to deceive.

After brief thought, he replied: “Not so. At that time there were other matters that required attention. Yet in these past three years, I have redoubled my diligence so as not to let my studies fall behind.”

Wan Linming could not refute that. After all, only recently at the Western Garden poetry gathering, Xie Shu’s reputation had soared, proving his cultivation beyond doubt.

But then Wan Linming added as if in passing: “Other matters? Or perhaps, mistaken for the charms of a beautiful spouse?”

Though he did not name the words “marriage into” out of courtesy to Xie Shu’s dignity, in his heart, he could not help but feel regret.

He had been testing him with his questions. Observing how Xie Shu had met every provocation with measured poise, never losing grace, and coupled with his evident literary talent, Wan Linming could not help but admire him.

For geniuses were plentiful, but a genius arrogant and insufferable seldom endured long. To combine brilliance with steady conduct was exceedingly rare. Many stars faded like meteors, dazzling for but a fleeting instant.

Yet here was one who had endured six years of obscurity, still steady in mind, still pursuing his learning, and now risen again in renown. Such quality bespoke true excellence.

At the same time, Wan Linming lamented his choice three years past to marry into the Yu household. Though the Yus were wealthy merchants, the association with commerce cast a shadow on future official prospects. For officials, a background free of mercantile stains was a matter of utmost importance; this might forever hinder Xie Shu’s rise in officialdom.

And yet, Wan Linming could only chuckle bitterly to himself. After all, who ascended to heaven in a single step? Had he himself not once been demoted?

Meanwhile, Xie Shu’s brow furrowed faintly at the remark. Though spoken like a jest, it would have been easy to brush it aside with laughter. But he would not do so.

For in his view, to laugh it off or let it pass in silence alike would be to disrespect his Young Lord. The withdrawal from Academy had been Xie Shu’s own matter, unrelated to his spouse—what had Yu Chuxi to do with it?

Thus with sober tone, he declared, “My lord, not so. Were it not for the Young Lord, I would not now have the chance to pursue my studies wholeheartedly. The Young Lord has labored greatly to provide for me; I only hope I may soon repay his kindness.”

At these words, even Wan Linming’s face betrayed a trace of astonishment.

He had heard from Li Ming of the deep bond between Xie Shu and Yu Chuxi but had not been moved by it—after all, Xie Shu had married into their family, and the recent trial had cast shadows of suspicion. But now, he harbored no doubt.

As for the case, Wan Linming had no further need to ask. Just as he had surmised, this was indeed a man of complete talents.

Truly, one could not trust a son’s complaints.

What shocked him further was that Xie Shu proved to be a rare man of gratitude, one who knew to repay kindness—a rarer quality still.

His thoughts shifting, Wan Linming slowly stroked his beard: “Xie Shu, I reviewed the case files yesterday. One matter concerning you caught my attention, and so I summoned you here for a closer look. I see you have indeed not slacked these years. But in the examination system, the Four Subjects are poetry, classics, essays, and policy. The first two draw upon the Four Books and the Five Classics. How have you applied yourself in the latter two?”

Now Xie Shu realized the man before him was none other than the Prefect of Ying Tian, Wan Linming.

Meeting the Prefect’s meaningful gaze, the faint smile on his lips, Xie Shu understood the man’s intent to guide him—and indeed, the question touched upon his very heart.

Again bowing respectfully, he beseeched: “I must ask Lord Wan for instruction.”

Seeing that Xie Shu had discerned his identity yet remained unruffled, Wan Linming was ever more pleased, though he offered no more: “Return for now. When word comes, you shall be informed.”

He himself had only recently learned that the eminent scholar Jiang Hong, once Head of the Imperial Academy, had retired and would return to Jinling. Renowned in the empire, multitudes aspired to become his disciples. Yet strict and upright by nature, Jiang Hong selected his students on talent alone. Wan Linming had long since given up all hope of foisting his own son upon him.

He was, however, willing to recommend Xie Shu. Whether Jiang Hong would accept him was not for him to influence—it was little more than lifting a hand to assist.

Yet, as no word of Jiang Hong’s return had arrived, he held his tongue.

Though Wan Linming kept this hidden, Xie Shu’s propriety was faultless, offering thanks before taking his leave.

Once more it was Li Ming who escorted him home. This time Li Ming’s manner was far warmer, for how could he not see that their master now viewed Xie Shu most favorably?

When the carriage halted and Xie Shu alighted, word of his return quickly reached Yu Chuxi.

Before he reached Tingyu Court, he saw Yu Chuxi coming swiftly toward him.

“Xie Shu!”

The Young Lord’s smile blossomed bright, eyelashes fluttering as his eyes searched him, as though to be sure he had suffered no harm.

Xie Shu deliberately halted, coughed lightly, and raised a hand in a mock gesture to cover his lips.

It was only when his beloved’s robe-hem flew with hurried steps, almost upon him, that Xie Shu lowered his hand. Unable to suppress the deep curve of his smile, he said: “Young Lord, rest assured. I am unharmed…”

At this Yu Chuxi at once understood he had been toyed with. Both ashamed and vexed, he could have bitten him out of spite—only, he could not bear to.

The next day, the formal trial of Yu Wanchun’s case commenced.

Dragged by two wardens into the hall, Yu Wanchun beheld before him a painted image of a fierce tiger descending from the mountains, so life-like it seemed ready to spring upon him. Yamen runners lined either side, their rods beating the ground with thunderous noise.

Even though he had steeled himself, Yu Wanchun could not suppress his trembling fear. When Prefect Wan Linming entered, a signal from the guards forced him down onto his knees in humiliation.

Thus on his knees, Yu Wanchun endured the procession of the case. Time and again he longed to interrupt in protest, but before his turn to speak, he could only grind his teeth in silence.

At last the moment of the accused’s defense arrived, and Yu Wanchun cried out in haste to Magistrate Wan: “My lord, I have grievances to declare!”