BEGW C61

Chapter 61

After the finest perch was steamed together with scallions and ginger, it was shredded into fine strands and complemented with minced pork, slivered bamboo shoots, and chopped mushrooms.

Just as the broth was about to cook down, an egg was cracked in and stirred into ribbons, then the soup was thickened with starch.

Even prepared so simply, it was already sufficiently fragrant and sweet; not to mention, after the imperial chef in the palace sprinkled rice sauce made from salted fermented soybeans over the finished fish geng, the flavor instantly gained another layer.

In a moment, the fish geng’s taste acquired an added dimension—besides the fresh sweetness, there was also a touch of savory salinity that cut through any greasiness.

Jiang Yuxun stealthily scooped up a spoonful of fish geng and mixed it into the rice in his bowl.

The fresh, savory aroma bloomed at once between his lips and teeth, and to his own surprise, a faint stir of emotion rose in Jiang Yuxun’s heart.

…It had truly been far too long since he had eaten food like this.

Seated not far away, a burly, thick-waisted official, eating as he went, suddenly could not help but take two curious sniffs.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun’s heart instantly leapt into his throat.

He immediately straightened his posture and sat properly, pretending nothing had happened.

After sniffing, the distant official finally lowered his head again, wearing a puzzled expression.

The spring wind set the tender new branches outside the window to rustling softly.

The smoke rising from the Boshan censer likewise gently rippled and drifted.

This meal, Jiang Yuxun ate with unusual nervousness.

Only when the inner attendant once again came forward carrying a lacquered tray to take away the bowls and chopsticks did Jiang Yuxun finally set his mind at ease.

Only after relaxing did he belatedly realize—today’s method of preparing the fish geng was not quite the same as the Great Zhou’s customary way; the more he thought about it, the more it resembled a famed dish from later times that he had casually jotted down in his notebook.

Jiang Yuxun’s heart tightened accordingly.

Wait a moment…

Could it be that Ying Changchuan had peeked at his notes and then had someone make it?!

A few bouts of fine rain had already brought forth luxuriant spring sights on both banks of the Yi River.

Once the granary site was chosen, large numbers of craftsmen quickly gathered in the suburbs of Zhaodu and began the work of building the storehouses.

A carriage adorned with gilded ornaments rolled out of Xianyou Palace and headed toward the outskirts of Zhaodu.

As the carriage passed by, several commoners working beside the wheat fields unconsciously put down their hoes and spades and began whispering to one another along the official road.

“…It’s Lord Jiang!” someone shouted first, raising his voice, “I saw Lord Jiang’s carriage!”

Another immediately craned forward to gaze into the distance, mumbling, “I wonder where Lord Jiang is going on this trip?”

But since they were so certain the carriage’s owner was Jiang Yuxun, a companion who had remained in the dark could not help asking curiously, “How do you know it’s Lord Jiang’s carriage?”

The first speaker cast a “hate iron for not becoming steel” look at his companion:

“One look and it’s obvious you haven’t bothered to keep up with our Great Zhou’s court news! At the end of last year … His Majesty not only rewarded Lord Jiang with one hundred taels of silver, but also a carriage and horses, and countless bolts of silk.”

Another person came up to add, “The carriage’s make is different from the usual. If it isn’t Lord Jiang’s, then whose could it be?”

In the distance, that carriage was of sandalwood with gold patterns painted on it.

Although it lacked ostentatious adornments, its extraordinary bearing was evident at a glance.

“So that’s how it is…”

As the carriage rolled farther away, a commoner finally had a delayed realization: “I remember now! The court has been building grain granaries these past few days—Lord Jiang is most likely heading to Ningping Granary!”

The Great Zhou’s granary ultimately was situated near a small town called “Ningping” near Zhaodu and came to be known as “Ningping Granary.”

“Lord Jiang truly enjoys great favor from His Majesty—”

“That goes without saying!”

At this point, the commoners’ voices unconsciously rose, and the sound carried far, drifting through the carriage window into the ears of those inside.

Jiang Yuxun was in the carriage reviewing a brief report on the granary’s construction. Zhuang Yue, who was sharing the carriage with him, gently let fall the curtain, which had been lifted to a small slit, stroked his beard, and said to him, “His Majesty has truly come to value A-Xun more and more of late.”

Zhuang Youli, who was also in the carriage, nodded along: “Indeed!”

Jiang Yuxun was about the same age as he, yet had already become the collective idol of this cohort of young gentlemen-officials.

Even his own mother would often urge him to learn more from Jiang Yuxun.

Jiang Yuxun, still reading the brief, had not heard what the commoners had just said. When Zhuang Yue’s words fell, he looked up in puzzlement and asked, “Hm? Uncle, why say that all of a sudden?”

Zhuang Yue, casting his mind back, said, “Ordinarily, when it comes to a matter as significant as the granaries, His Majesty would surely personally inspect the site to check on the progress and construction quality. But now such an important undertaking has been entrusted to A-Xun’s hands. From this, it can be seen that His Majesty’s trust in and favor toward A-Xun are truly extreme!”

He had intended to be stern; as he spoke, the corners of his mouth could not help lifting.

Zhuang Youli chimed in with the merriment: “Exactly! This shows that in His Majesty’s eyes A-Xun is not only loyal and reliable, but also exceptionally capable.”

The carriage sped along the road toward Ningping Granary.

The wind blew in through the window, lifting Jiang Yuxun’s long hair.

At this moment, Zhuang Yue narrowed his eyes and turned a profound gaze toward the scenery outside: “The most precious thing a Son of Heaven can grant is not gold and silver, but trust. This law holds throughout all dynasties; the present sovereign especially so.”

This topic was somewhat sensitive, and he could not help lowering his voice as he spoke.

Jiang Yuxun paused and involuntarily set down the brief in his hands.

Historically, Ying Changchuan held the reins with a solitary grip and never delegated power to his ministers.

For this, he was censured by later generations, who said he was inherently selfish and suspicious.

But now… had he, without realizing it, already gained Ying Changchuan’s trust?

荒 land on both banks of the Yi River had already begun to green; history had long since changed.

Yet Zhuang Yue’s words still unconsciously reminded Jiang Yuxun—not only history, Ying Changchuan too was no longer the same as before.

Jiang Yuxun involuntarily clenched the brief in his hands.

A small thread of delight rose within him.

Before he could follow that thought and dwell on it further, Zhuang Yue shifted the topic and began to speak to the two in the carriage about the way of serving as an official.

“…For an official, ability is always the foremost quality. As for loyalty, how many men on the court are utterly devoted to His Majesty? There’s no shortage even of sycophants who flatter and curry favor. Why does His Majesty favor A-Xun? Naturally, because A-Xun is outstanding in ability and can relieve His Majesty’s worries and resolve His Majesty’s problems!” As he spoke, he glanced at Zhuang Youli.

The latter nodded at once, committing his father’s words to heart.

“Don’t just nod along,” Zhuang Yue gave his son’s shoulder a firm pat, “On ordinary days when there’s nothing to do, read more. It’s also good to go about with A-Xun here and there—stop idling your time away wandering the streets!”

Zhuang Youli instantly wilted: “Y-yes, Father…”

Then Zhuang Yue did not forget to look toward Jiang Yuxun.

Having spent many years navigating officialdom, he could not help but admonish the younger man from the bottom of his heart: “Though A-Xun now enjoys countless marks of honor and favor, as a minister one must remember to be low-key—by no means be overly ostentatious or arrogant.”

His tone was sincerely earnest. Jiang Yuxun paused, then nodded seriously: “Uncle speaks rightly.”

This was Zhuang Yue tactfully reminding him not to let Ying Changchuan mistakenly think he intended to brandish the name of a “favored minister” to overawe others.

As they spoke, Ningping Granary came into view.

The carriage gradually slowed to a stop. Coming back to himself, Jiang Yuxun put away the brief and, together with the Zhuang father and son, headed toward the construction site.

Yet at the very moment he alighted, a thought abruptly popped into Jiang Yuxun’s mind—

That’s not right.

It seems he had never flaunted or shown off?

The one making a fuss all along had been Ying Changchuan!

Ningping Granary comprised several main structures: the city wall, roads, storage pits, and the administrative zone.

At present, the granary city’s wall already had the rough shape completed, and the internal storage pits were being accelerated—ultimately, it would adopt the most classic historical design of underground construction, which not only kept costs relatively low but also made it more convenient to draw out grain.

Although the granary had only recently begun and there was still a long time before full completion, the carriage carrying Jiang Yuxun’s party nonetheless stopped outside the granary city in accordance with regulations and did not proceed any farther.

They dismounted at the East Granary Gate. Only after the sentry soldiers guarding the granary verified their identities did they proceed on foot along the grain-transport avenue into Ningping Granary.

“This way, honored sirs—” The guard led Jiang Yuxun and his companions westward. As he walked, he introduced, “According to plan, Ningping Granary will eventually have three hundred storage pits. The large pits can store close to ten thousand shi of grain, and the smaller ones can store several thousand shi apiece!*”

As he spoke, the soldier’s expression unconsciously grew animated.

Having followed this project all along, Jiang Yuxun turned and said to the two of the Zhuang family: “In the future, not only the grain and forage near Zhaodu, but rice from the southern lands will also be transported here via the Chen River and the Yi River for storage.”

Taking in the bustle all around, Zhuang Youli could not help asking curiously, “How long will it take for Ningping Granary to be fully completed?”

“…To finish everything will likely require six years,” Jiang Yuxun said as he moved toward the roadside, giving the smoothest path to a craftsman pushing a wheelbarrow, “But Ningping Granary is to be used as it’s being built. The first batch of storage pits will be put into use as early as this summer.”

Zhuang Youli nodded and, under his father’s supervision, carefully recorded this point in his notebook.

At this time, Jiang Yuxun cast his gaze toward the laborers busy in the storage-pit zone all around.

Commoners of the Great Zhou owed one month of corvée service each year, and such service was generally levied nearby.

Thus, laborers typically did maintenance and repair of official roads near their hometowns or performed other simple odd jobs.

The workload for building the granary was somewhat greater than ordinary chores; therefore, after the month ended, commoners would also receive one hundred Jia-cast coins as wages.

Under this incentive, the commoners near Zhaodu were all the more willing to work at the granary.

After saying those words, Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt it rather wondrous—historically, the final battle between Zhou and Rou broke out six years later.

The construction of the granary seemed, in the unseen currents, to have become linked to this war that was destined to erupt.

…In addition, improving horse breeds required three to five years; counting the time spent traveling to and from Kehan, that seemed to be around six years as well.

After listening to him, the soldier nodded along with Jiang Yuxun: “My lord speaks true. This granary city is being built from east to west. The pits on the easternmost side are already more than halfway done.”

As they spoke, the party arrived at the eastern storage-pit district he had mentioned.

The granaries were being built indoors; upon entering, a cylindrical earthen pit appeared before them.

Caught unprepared, Zhuang Youli was startled by the pit before his eyes: “This pit is the granary? Why is it so deep?”

As he spoke, he could not help halting and, with great care, peering ahead.

The round mouth of the pit had a diameter of roughly fourteen to fifteen meters, and by eye its depth was some six to seven meters.

There were few barriers near the pit mouth; at a glance, it truly appeared somewhat frightening.

“Making a fuss over nothing!” Zhuang Yue gave his son a look; stroking his beard, he said, “What’s so deep about this? There are even larger storage pits in Ningping Granary that haven’t yet been excavated.”

“How large is the largest?”

Jiang Yuxun thought for a moment and said, “Close to thirty chi deep.”

“Thirty chi…” Zhuang Youli sighed softly, “If these granaries are completed and all filled to the brim, the people of our Great Zhou will likely have no worries about food and clothing for ten years.”

The guard could not help laughing: “That’s about right!”

As he spoke, his eyes also lit up.

Though the work at Ningping Granary was not rushed, it was, after all, a large-scale project spanning six years.

In the past, if the court were to build such a large granary, even if there were no voices of public complaint, countless commoners would doubt it in private.

But this time, whether commoners who had learned of the matter or the craftsmen and laborers responsible for building the granary, all were filled with expectation and longing.

—The wastelands near the Yi River, indeed the entire northern region, were gradually being opened up for cultivation.

In addition, they had heard that new paddy fields in the south were being nurtured in the marshes.

Therefore, not only did no one doubt whether the granary was necessary, some commoners even wondered: would a single Ningping Granary suffice to hold the realm’s grain?

During this year of ceasefire and rest for the people, an anticipation for the future gradually appeared in the commoners’ eyes.

Inside the storage-pit hall, everyone was busy and bustling.

“Let’s move aside a bit.” Seeing a laborer pushing a wheelbarrow this way, Jiang Yuxun hurriedly stepped aside with the Zhuang father and son.

The next moment, the laborer pushing the cart had already come to a steady stop by the pit and dumped everything in the cart into it in one go.

When he finished, he did not forget to turn his cart around and bow to Jiang Yuxun and the others: “Greetings, honored sirs!”

After he spoke, he shyly scratched his head, sneaking glances at Jiang Yuxun.

Seeing that he had finished dumping yet still did not leave, the granary guard frowned: “Do you still have some task undone?”

“Ah?” The laborer hastily shook his head, “N-no, nothing.”

“Then why are you planted here?”

“Going, going——”

The laborer lifted the wheelbarrow again, but could not help stealing another look at Jiang Yuxun with some reluctance.

News that he would be coming to Ningping Granary had spread among the laborers several days earlier.

Before work began today, a crowd of fellow villagers who were on their routine break had surrounded this laborer and exhorted him to make sure to see what Lord Jiang looked like on their behalf.

If he could exchange a few words with the lord, so much the better.

Though the laborer had agreed, he had not imagined—even up to the moment he entered the storage hall—that he would truly be so fortunate.

After saying “Greetings, honored sirs,” this laborer neither wished to leave nor knew what else he might say.

Luckily, Zhuang Youli—who had not previously been involved in this matter—suddenly stepped forward. He glanced at the contents of the pit, then curiously asked the laborer, “What did you just dump into the bottom of the pit?”

The laborer snapped to attention at once: “In answer to my lord, what this humble one just carried was charcoal crumbs.”

A few laborers descended to the bottom of the pit along hemp ropes and then used iron shovels to level the charcoal chips; besides that, there were some stones piled at their feet.

“Charcoal crumbs?” Unable to help himself, Zhuang Youli took another step forward, then turned and curiously asked the laborer, “What are those laid down for?”

“Uh… this…” The laborer also did not really know what every procedure of the storage pits was for. Put on the spot, his face gradually flushed red.

At this moment, Jiang Yuxun explained softly, “This step is to guard against dampness.”

“Dampness?”

In the several dynasties before the Great Zhou, granaries were not only empty for most of the time, the structures themselves were also built rather slapdash.

Ningping Granary, like the Yi River works, was under the overall design of Yin Songquan.

Apart from that, Jiang Yuxun had also offered a few suggestions based on the construction of later-era granaries.

Nodding, he explained to Zhuang Youli, “Ningping Granary is built underground, so naturally the steps for moisture-proofing must be more numerous.”

A dozen or so laborers and the guards in the storage room unconsciously set down what they were doing, turned to look at Jiang Yuxun, and listened patiently as he spoke.

Jiang Yuxun said, “Once a storage pit has been excavated, a layer of green clay must first be spread, then the raw earth at the bottom of the pit is kiln-dried by fire. When all of this is done, charcoal and crushed stones can be laid.”

The laborers listened with utmost attention, nodding lightly from time to time.

“After these layers have been spread, then a layer of wooden planks is erected, after which straw and bran are laid, and reed mats are spread on top—at that point grain can be loaded in*,” Jiang Yuxun said, gesturing with his hands, “Once the grain is piled full, reed mats must also be spread over the top of the grain, so that it can be kept for a long time.”

“So complex…” Zhuang Youli murmured with feeling.

At this point, Jiang Yuxun finally noticed the look in the surrounding laborers’ eyes.

Like Zhuang Youli, they wore expressions of sudden understanding.

The laborers had come to work here for a month each year; only now did they finally understand the full picture of the project.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun could not help falling into thought.

Storing grain not only ensures the common people can survive disasters, it stabilizes their hearts as well—its importance goes without saying.

In addition to official grain storage at Ningping Granary, households must also keep grain on hand.

…Viewed this way, teaching the laborers the principles of grain storage within a month and having them apply them in their own lives seemed very important as well.

Jiang Yuxun and his party toured Ningping Granary for the better part of the day.

By the time they left, Zhuang Youli’s notebook was already filled with key points.

After the carriage rolled out of Ningping Granary, it did not turn back to Xianyou Palace but continued on toward Zhaodu.

This year had a leap second month, and so Jiang Yuxun’s birthday fell a bit later than usual.

In the recent period, Zhuang Yue had been so busy his feet scarcely touched the ground; only now did he recall that Jiang Yuxun’s birthday was just around the corner.

So he thought to invite Jiang Yuxun to rest at his home for a night and have a simple meal.

As the hour was still early, Jiang Yuxun did not go directly to Zhuang Yue’s residence, but instead, together with Zhuang Youli, took the Xuan Yin Directorate to stroll around near Zhaodu.

…

In the suburbs of Zhaodu was a lake called “Yanxian,” and today Yanxian Lake was filled with people out for spring excursions and scenery.

Willow catkins hung down into the lake, sending out ripples in concentric rings.

A small boat drifted across the water toward an island not far away.

On the lakeshore, noblewomen of Zhaodu gathered in groups of three or five, screened by curtains within which they played games and competed at go.

Upon arriving at the lakeside, Jiang Yuxun’s mood suddenly grew much lighter.

He casually picked a patch of grass, sat hugging his knees, and looked out over the lake’s surface: “Youli, do you know what there is on the island in the middle of the lake?”

“I haven’t been either, but I’ve heard it seems to be a few courtyards,” Zhuang Youli shook his head lightly, then could not help turning to ask, “A-Xun, want to go?”

Jiang Yuxun stretched lazily and closed his eyes: “When there’s time in the future, I’ll definitely rent a small boat and go over to have a look.”

Having been out and about all day, once he grew quiet he could not help feeling a bit drowsy.

After a few breaths, a familiar voice suddenly reached Jiang Yuxun’s ear: “Why not go today?”

With a hint of regret, Jiang Yuxun said, “I just asked the people on the lake. They said just rowing there and back takes an hour and a half. It’s already the You hour now. If we set out at this moment, we’d likely have to spend the night on the island.”

“Sigh… we still have to return to Xianyou Palace tomorrow—going today won’t work.”

The spring breeze bore a willow leaf that lightly fell against Jiang Yuxun’s cheek, bringing a faint tickle.

Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt the atmosphere around him turn a bit odd.

…Why was no one speaking?

In the next instant, he propped himself up on his elbow and sprang up from the grass.

The willow leaf drifted down, falling into the lake not far away.

There were still bits of grass clinging to Jiang Yuxun’s clothes, but he could not be bothered to brush his sleeves; he instinctively looked ahead.

Oar blades cut the water, casting up a glittering ripple.

The glimmer lit up the newcomer’s brows and eyes, and the slight curve of his lips.

He smiled and nodded toward Jiang Yuxun.

Spring waters undulated, and in an instant drove away the chill in those ashen-gray eyes.

I knew it!

So that wasn’t an illusion just now.

How had Ying Changchuan come out of the palace?!

Jiang Yuxun rubbed his eyes involuntarily: “…Y-Your Majesty?”

As he spoke, he moved to perform a bow.

The Son of Heaven was dressed in dark civilian clothes and still held a folded oil-paper umbrella in his hand.

His manner was languid and at leisure; he, too, seemed to be out enjoying the spring…

Seeing who it was, Zhuang Youli’s face turned pale. Like a mouse seeing a cat, he sprang up and bowed to Ying Changchuan, his fingers trembling of their own accord: “Y-Your—Your—Your Majesty…”

Ying Changchuan slowly turned his gaze toward Jiang Yuxun: “No need for excessive ceremony.”

At once, Zhuang Youli beside them closed his mouth.

“Beloved minister, was it that you wished to go boating.”

“In answer to Your Majesty, precisely.” As Jiang Yuxun spoke, he lifted his eyes to sneak a look at Ying Changchuan.

He wouldn’t be going too, would he?

No, no—someone like Ying Changchuan, a workaholic, how would he have the leisure to drift about a lake in a boat?

Just as Jiang Yuxun was exhausting himself trying to gauge the imperial will, a small skiff had already drifted over quietly from afar.

The man rowing moored it at the bank, then rose, came ashore, and bowed to Ying Changchuan: “Your Majesty, the boat is prepared.”

…So Ying Changchuan really meant it?!

Jiang Yuxun was struck dumb in an instant.

Ying Changchuan truly seemed to wish to share in the people’s pleasures.

He did not take a painted barge, but sat in the small boat just rowed over by the Xuan Yin Directorate and, together with Jiang Yuxun, made for the heart of the lake.

Aside from the two of them, there remained only a gray-haired boatman, who pulled the oar with a lazy rhythm.

Members of the Xuan Yin Directorate, dressed in plain clothes, lightly rowed another skiff, following at a distance.

As soon as Jiang Yuxun got on the boat, he began discussing official matters with Ying Changchuan, talking from Ningping Granary to the Yi River, and did not stop for more than an hour.

However, once they had finished talking, the boat suddenly grew quiet.

Yanxian Lake was crowded with pleasure boats; only the corner of the lake where Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan were was a bit too quiet.

The island in the center of the lake drew ever closer.

At this moment, in Jiang Yuxun’s ears, apart from the sound of the oar breaking the water, there were only the distant shouts and laughter of merrymakers.

For a moment, even his breathing unconsciously slowed by a few beats.

Just as Jiang Yuxun was wondering whether to find a topic to break the silence—

On a painted barge not far away, someone suddenly began declaiming grandly: “…When the cunning hare dies, the hound is boiled; throughout the ages, there have been many powerful ministers glorious for a time, but who can be glorious for a lifetime?”

“These words ring true!”

“Splendor for a moment is hard to keep long…”

As they spoke, those on the painted barge laughed in unison.

Although no names were named on the barge, Jiang Yuxun immediately realized—they were absolutely talking about him!

He instinctively observed Ying Changchuan’s expression.

The Son of Heaven carelessly cast his gaze toward that painted barge. After a few beats, he lifted a teacup and sipped lightly: “Beloved minister, do you think their words have any merit?”

There was still a hint of his habitual smile in his voice; it seemed he had not taken those words to heart.

Jiang Yuxun could not help thinking… Though Ying Changchuan had no shortage of faults, by any measure he did not seem the sort to “hide the bow once the birds are gone.”

Had this been said in the past, Jiang Yuxun might have been a little nervous.

But now he possessed a token granting immunity from death!

With that thought, Jiang Yuxun spoke from the heart: “No merit at all. This minister thinks they are sowing discord and peddling rumors.”

He could not help asking as well: “What does Your Majesty think?”

Ying Changchuan followed with a laugh, his mood seeming somewhat pleased: “What my beloved minister says is exactly so.”

I knew it!

The slight solemnity on the boat at that moment was dispelled in an instant.

Jiang Yuxun began to chat idly with Ying Changchuan, while silently ridiculing in his heart the folks on that painted barge for pretending to understand what they did not.

Dusk deepened, and the boatman’s rowing quickened.

Most skiffs had already made landfall. Apart from the Xuan Yin Directorate, only that painted barge remained on the lake, with laughter ringing out from time to time within.

A thin mist rose over Yanxian Lake.

The pavilions on the island at the lake’s heart drew nearer and nearer.

Since his transmigration, Jiang Yuxun had not yet had the chance to go sightseeing.

Seeing the scene not far off, his mood suddenly lifted with a touch of delight.

But just then, the tip of Jiang Yuxun’s nose suddenly sensed a cool dampness.

“…It’s raining?” Jiang Yuxun hesitated for a moment and extended his hand out from the cabin.

Raindrops blossomed on the lake’s surface and, holding a touch of warmth, blew straight onto people.

On the distant painted barge, there were a few grumbles of dissatisfaction, and finally everyone retreated into the cabin.

With that, Yanxian Lake fell completely quiet.

Accompanied by a soft “hua,” the little skiff brushed gently against the bank.

The boatman turned and bowed to Ying Changchuan, then withdrew into the cabin.

“What is it, beloved minister?” As he spoke, Ying Changchuan had already risen, preparing to go ashore.

Jiang Yuxun could only answer honestly: “This minister was wondering what to do if we get soaked.”

Though the spring rain was gentle, it was exceedingly fine.

In just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, it would surely wet a person through.

Ying Changchuan gently shook his head: “We will not be rained on.”

“Why—” Jiang Yuxun was just about to ask why he was so certain when, turning, he saw that Ying Changchuan held a parasol in his hand.

Oh—that’s right, he had brought an umbrella when he came!

“Let’s go,” Ying Changchuan said as he slowly opened the paper umbrella and turned, speaking casually, “In spring, Yanxian Lake often has rain. I prepared an umbrella.”

Since the Son of Heaven had spoken, there was no time to think more. Instinctively, Jiang Yuxun stood up.

The skiffs on Yanxian Lake were rather narrow. At the moment he stood, Jiang Yuxun’s shoulder brushed, without warning, across the Son of Heaven’s arm.

A strange, tingling numbness instantly spread from that point and, in a flash, reached his fingertips.

The spring rain tapped softly on the umbrella.

A faint sound followed in his ears.

Before Jiang Yuxun could be alarmed to find himself standing under the emperor’s umbrella, a question first surfaced in his heart…

That’s not right!

Since he had known Yanxian Lake often had rain in spring, then Ying Changchuan… why had he prepared only one umbrella?

Author’s Note:

That night · Zhuang Yue: Where’s A-Xun? How can such a big A-Xun have vanished?

*From the internet

Footnotes:

1. Boshan censer: A mountain-shaped incense burner popular since the Han dynasty; smoke vents from apertures to resemble mist around peaks. Often associated with immortality mountains in Chinese imagination. 
2. Fish geng: Geng refers to a thickened soup or stoup in Chinese cuisine; here a fish-based, starch-thickened soup with egg ribbons. 
3. Rice sauce from salted fermented soybeans: Likely a condiment derived from douchi (fermented black soybeans) or similar soybean ferments, lending a savory umami that balances richness. 
4. Shi: A traditional unit of volume for grain; actual volume varied by era and region, but is broadly on the order of several dozen liters. 
5. Chi: A traditional Chinese unit of length; depending on period, roughly one-third of a meter; depths given are approximate. 
6. Corvée and coin: One month of annual unpaid labor service was typical historically; “Jia-cast coins” here denotes government-cast cash coins used as wages in this setting. 
7. Xuan Yin Directorate: A fictional or specialized security/intelligence body in this narrative context; rendered per sense as a formal government organ. 
8. “When the cunning hare dies, the hound is boiled”: A classical proverb meaning once the prey is gone, the hunting dog is cooked—i.e., meritorious helpers are discarded after they outlive their usefulness.