Chapter 30: Scholars Befriending Scholars
That night, Han Min slept late, and after only a short nap, it was already dawn.
He vaguely noticed the light outside, got up from his bed, and rubbed his eyes.
Eunuch Yang, hearing the movement, came forward and drew the bed curtains: “It’s so late at night—aren’t you going to sleep a bit more?”
“No, today I need to go see Wen Yan. Has the Little Jizi returned?”
“Not back so soon. He found his sister, so he’ll probably be delayed a few days. Don’t worry about him. He may look silly, but he has his schemes. Otherwise, how could he be my disciple?”
“All right, I won’t disturb him. If he asks for anything when he comes back, just give it to him.”
Han Min got up, washed, changed clothes, and prepared to go to the Marquis Wenyan Mansion.
Since he was visiting Wen Yan on behalf of Fu Xun, he picked some items from Fu Xun’s storage to bring along.
Previously, the system had asked him why Wen Yan would serve as Fu Xun’s aide, running errands here and there.
Han Min explained that Marquis Wen’s noble title had ended with Wen Yan’s father. To preserve his family’s status, Wen Yan had chosen Fu Xun early on.
But since Wen Yan did not like him, Han Min had little interaction with him.
When he arrived at Marquis Wenyan Mansion today, Han Min realized just how difficult Wen Yan’s situation was.
The carriage rumbled along a narrow blue-brick alley.
Typically, a marquis’s household was large and influential—sometimes they would occupy an entire street for their mansion.
But few residences, like Marquis Wenyan Mansion, were tucked into narrow alleys.
Sitting in the carriage, Han Min lifted the curtain to look outside.
Wine sellers, fishmongers, fortune-tellers—all crowded the alley, bustling with activity.
He asked Eunuch Yang, “Why hasn’t the Marquis Wenyan Mansion fallen into decay like this?”
Eunuch Yang sighed, “Marquis Wen frequents visit to the taverns and pleasure quarters—this is to be expected.”
Han Min lowered the curtain: “Even in a humble market, one doesn’t change their resolve. Wen Yan is impressive.”
Eunuch Yang laughed, “He insults you daily, and you still praise him?”
Han Min smiled without replying.
Both were men of letters. He had long admired Wen Yan’s honesty, and now he admired him even more.
The carriage continued for a while and stopped ahead.
The courtyard was very small, with poor soundproofing. Even before Han Min lifted the curtain, he could hear loud arguing inside.
“So what if you followed the Emperor earlier? So what if you ran around with him? You still got your leg broken and were sent back in disgrace. The Han family, those disgraced officials, have already gained all the limelight. I just don’t understand, didn’t they all go back to Tongzhou long ago? They all know how to come running to Yong’an to ask for a reward, but you don’t? You think you’re so important? In my opinion, we shouldn’t cling to this worthless Marquis Wenyuan title anymore. Let’s go home as soon as possible, shall we?”
After hearing this, Han Min’s expression changed. He lifted the curtain, jumped off the carriage, stepped up three narrow stone steps, and pushed open the old wooden door.
At that time, Wen Yan was sitting by the well in the courtyard, with one leg crossed and holding a water ladle.
Because it was at home, Wen Yan dressed simply, wearing only a plain dress with narrow sleeves.
His hair was untied and hung down, obscuring his face and making it impossible to see his expression.
The man speaking was Wenyan’s father, Marquis Wenyuan.
Hearing the noise outside the door, the two of them looked towards the door.
Marquis Wenyuan pointed at Han Min and said, “You…who are you? How come you…”
Wen Yan turned his head away, picked up the water ladle, rinsed his mouth, and then wiped his face with a handkerchief.
Han Min glanced at Marquis Wenyuan, cupped his hands in greeting, and said loudly, “Han Min, a disgraced subject of the Han family, greets Your Excellency.”
He turned to Wen Yan, feigning anger, and asked, “Wen Bianzhang, when you were speaking ill of me in front of the Emperor, you had a whole repertoire of stories. Why are you standing there letting others talk about me today?”
Wen Yan was taken aback, looked up at him, paused, and finally said, “I didn’t know Young Master Han was coming today. Perhaps you should return first and wait a few days…”
Han Min stepped forward, grabbed his shoulder, and said seriously, “Sit down.”
Marquis Wenyuan, realizing he was in the wrong, touched the tip of his nose and took a few steps back.
Han Min turned to look at him: “Marquis Wen, we are all working for the Emperor. I don’t know what I did to impress him last night. If we’re talking about prestige, then Marquis Wen is definitely more impressive.”
Wen Yan tugged at his sleeve and shook his head at him.
No matter what, he was still his father. He was bound by filial piety and couldn’t ask for help, but he also couldn’t ask Han Min for help.
Han Min looked at him and pursed her lips: “Can you walk?”
Wen Yan, holding onto the wellhead with one hand, picked up the cane that was lying on the ground.
Han Min glanced at his leg, which was wrapped in a splint, took his arm, and sighed, “Let’s go. Which room?”
Wen Yan pointed to the narrow corridor.
Han Min helped him walk back slowly, but Wen Yan didn’t want Han Min to support him, so he stood up on his own.
It was early spring, and a thin layer of sweat covered his forehead.
The room was simple and clean, with a desk on one side, a bamboo couch with a white curtain hanging on it, and books piled up in several large wooden boxes.
Han Min helped him sit on the bamboo couch and looked around, asking, “Have you had breakfast?”
Wen Yan didn’t answer, and presumably there was no answer, so Han Min went out and gave an order. When he returned, he was already holding the book, stroking the pages, and quietly beginning to read.
Hearing Han Min return, he stiffened, then awkwardly put down his book and looked up: “You’re back?”
“Um.”
There was nowhere else to sit in the room, so Han Min walked to the couch and sat down next to him.
He even nudged his arm without any hesitation, saying, “Move over a little.”
Wen Yan paused for a moment, then propped himself up with his hands and moved further inside.
Han Min added, “I’ve sent them to get you some food. It’ll be ready in a bit.”
“Thank you.”
The two of them were always like this, with nothing to say to each other. Now only the two of them were left in the room, making the atmosphere even more awkward.
Han Min reached out and took out a pillow from the bamboo couch, placing it behind him so he could lean against it.
Han Min “I have two things to say to you.”
Wen Yan said softly, “I happen to have one too.”
Han Min turned to look at him: “You speak.”
“You go first.”
“OK.”
Han Min said, “I wanted you to take good care of your injuries. His Majesty has reserved a position for you in the Censorate. Although he can be a bit short-tempered at times, he is actually a good person.”
Wen Yan replied, “I mainly care about his ability to become emperor; whether he is a good person or not is irrelevant.”
“This…you’re really carefree.” Han Min touched the tip of his nose. “What I mean is, sometimes if you know that saying something will anger the Emperor, then you shouldn’t provoke him.”
“Scholars…”
Han Min looked him into the eyes and said seriously, “This isn’t the backbone of a scholar; it’s pedantry and rigidity. For example, regarding that matter last time, you shouldn’t have directly told me you wanted me to take the imperial examination and didn’t want me to become an official. You should have said this to the Emperor—”
He cleared his throat: “Your Majesty, I know that you cherish talent, but the rules of the court cannot be ignored. Furthermore, Young Master Han is exceptionally talented, a candidate for the top scholar in the imperial examinations. With this title, it will be easier for Young Master Han to become an official in the court in the future.”
He slightly raised his almond-shaped eyes: “How could you insult me ??like that?”
Wen Yan lowered her eyes and said, “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not teaching you to curse me, just don’t actually tell the Emperor.”
“I know.”
Han Min added, “And what I heard your father say when I came in just now.”
He paused for a moment: “I shouldn’t have said anything. But you have rendered meritorious service in supporting the emperor, and you are the emperor’s confidant. You can make requests of him. Whether it’s to become an imperial censor, to obtain the title of Marquis of Wenyuan, or even to sever ties with your father, you can make your requests gradually.”
Wen Yan stammered, “It shouldn’t be…”
Han Min countered, “In this world, sycophantic ministers and favored officials can all receive rewards, so why can’t loyal ministers? Are loyal ministers somehow inferior and unworthy?”
Wen Yan hadn’t thought about this.
Historical records and classics seem to say otherwise.
Han Min said seriously, “Take what you deserve, don’t be awkward, it’s what you’re entitled to. Sometimes it’s okay to play a little trick.”
“But I’ve never heard such a thing before.”
“It is most inappropriate for a virtuous minister to suffer hardship himself.”
Wen Yan’s face was pale.
Predicting that his injuries weren’t fully healed, Han Min glanced at him and said, “Then I won’t disturb your rest any longer. I’ll go check on the food…”
Wen Yan tugged at his sleeve: “Sit a little longer.”
After a moment of silence, with nothing to say, Han Min lowered his head and started fidgeting with his hands.
Wen Yan turned his head and glanced at him, then looked away, his eyes lowered, lost in thought.
Until Eunuch Yang brought in breakfast.
“The medicine is still on the stove, it will be ready in a bit, let’s eat first.”
A small table was placed on the tatami mat, and Wen Yan ate breakfast at the small table.
He held the bowl of porridge and stirred the millet porridge with a porcelain spoon.
Han Min leaned against the pillow, bored, and casually flipped through his book.
Suddenly, he heard a gentle voice say, “I’m sorry.”
Han Min was engrossed in watching and casually replied, “Hmm?”
“I used to talk about you in front of the Emperor and I never gave you a kind look.”
“You always scold me, and I feel wronged too.”
Han Min pouted, looking genuinely aggrieved.
“I know. But I just feel… I was judging you by my own petty standards before. I thought you and the Emperor… Never mind, I won’t say anymore. Wei Huan came last night. He thought I had discussed the memorial with you, and he even thought the memorial you took in the hall was mine. I didn’t tell him that I actually didn’t let you see the memorial. I was petty before, I’m sorry.”
It’s truly rare to find someone who can honestly and gently admit their mistakes. Han Min raised his head and stared at him for a while.
Looking into his clear black and white eyes, Wen Yan felt inexplicably guilty, so he lowered his voice even further: “It’s my fault. I had some prejudice against you before. I’ll apologize to you in any way I can.”
Han Min suddenly laughed and waved his hand, “You’re too kind. Go and have some breakfast.”
Seeing that the smile in his eyes seemed genuine, Wen Yan lowered his eyes and continued drinking his porridge.
Han Min continued to casually flip through the book.
After having breakfast and taking his medicine, Wen Yan leaned against the pillow and closed his eyes to rest.
Han Min finished reading a book when the sun was already high in the sky.
Wen Yan was not asleep; when he opened his eyes, his expression was clear.
He said softly, “I only have an unreliable father, and no brothers or friends. You are the first person to teach me about the things that scholars do.”
Han Min “My grandfather taught me all of this.”
“I used to treat you badly. Now I realize I was wrong.”
Han Min closed the book, looked at him for a while, patted the back of his hand, and comforted him, “Alright, alright, it’s okay, I don’t hold grudges.”
Wen Yan grasped his hand in return: “Meeting you today, I’ve finally found a kindred spirit.”
—The highest praise from Wen Yan, a straightforward scholar.
Han Min didn’t feel honored; on the contrary, he was somewhat surprised.
Because Wen Yan had his head down, it looked as if he was crying.
While searching for a handkerchief, he reached out a hand, put his arm around Wen Yan’s shoulder, patted his back, and coaxed him, “Alright, alright, don’t cry anymore.”
Unable to find a handkerchief, Han Min used his own sleeve to wipe his eyes. Just then, Eunuch Yang led someone in from outside.
He said, “They’re inside. They’ve been talking for a while, but they haven’t argued. They’re doing fine.”
Fu Xun, who had come to pick Han Min up from a fight with Wen Yan, stood at the door with a furrowed brow.
This is not just “good”, it’s “too good”.
Fu Xun, “What are you doing?”
Han Min didn’t think anything of it at first, but after being asked that question, he felt a little guilty. It was as if he had done something wrong behind his back.
“Warm and fragrant jade” fills my arms.
Moreover, Wen Yan is truly “Wen Xiang”. (Wen Xiang a.k.a a girl name)
‘Wen Xiang’ was also quite tall. He bent over and leaned into Han Min’s arms, his back trembling slightly. He lowered his head, clutching Han Min’s other sleeve, wiping away tears.
Without even raising his head, his eyes and cheeks were red as he leaned into Han Min’s arms.
Han Min still had one hand on his shoulder.
He half-raised his hand, looked at Fu Xun, and tried to explain, “This… is because he cried.”
Because he cried, and I was the only one here, it turned out like this.
Fu Xun strode forward and looked at the two of them.
Han Min defended himself once again: “He was crying too hard.”
Han Min added, “Your Majesty should pay more attention to the physical and mental health of your court officials.”
Fu Xun sneered: “So this is my fault?”
“It’s not that, it’s just…”
Following Han Min’s advice, Fu Xun looked at Wen Yan and offered some appropriate concern for the physical and mental health of the court officials.
“Wen Yan, I’ll leave a position in the Censorate vacant for you. Go back and take up your post in four months.”
Wen Yan wiped his face, regained his composure, and sat up from Han Min’s embrace. “Your Majesty, I have been impolite. Please forgive me.”
Only his eyes were still red. Wen Yan looked at Han Min’s clothes, which were soaked with tears: “I’m sorry, I’ve dirtied your clothes. I just made a spring shirt a few days ago. It’s in the box over there. Take it and change.”
Han Min originally wanted to decline.
Then, on second thought, Fu Xun happened to be here too. He had just instructed Wen Yan that there was no need for the virtuous minister to suffer, so it would be better to give him this opportunity.
So he thanked him and, as he had instructed, opened the trunk, took the clothes, and walked behind the wooden screen.
Fu Xun watched him until he walked behind the screen and could no longer be seen.
He withdrew his gaze and glanced at Wen Yan: “Why didn’t you mention these things before? I thought you were still living in the old Marquis Wenyuan’s mansion.”
Wen Yan paused for a moment, then simply said, “It’s nothing.”
“That would make me seem like I’m mistreating my subjects.”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Without saying anything more, Han Min stood behind the screen and listened for a couple of minutes, his face full of doubt.
It turns out that Wen Yan wasn’t just speechless with him; he had nothing to talk about with anyone except when discussing serious matters.
He tossed his dirty clothes aside, and suddenly heard a gentle voice say, “Your Majesty.”
Fu Xun, who had been looking at the screen, turned his gaze to him again: “What?”
“The title of Marquis Wenyuan… I think it’s best to strip my father of it?”
“You are an imperial censor, you can impeach him or have someone else impeach him.”
Wen Yan’s expression remained unchanged as he asked again, “What about the Marquis of Wenyuan’s residence?”
“The mansion will be reserved for you for now. If you do well, you will be ennobled as a marquis after a few years when things have settled down. However, you cannot live here. Go and find a house yourself. Once you have found one, go and find Wei Huan. Consider this a gift for all the years you have served as my advisor.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Wen Yan pursed his lips, feeling a sense of relief.
Only then did he realize that what Han Min had taught him was actually so simple.
At this moment, Han Min came out from behind the screen, carrying dirty clothes.
Wen Yan smiled gratefully at him, and Han Min smiled and waved back.
Fu Xun stood up—He stood between the two of them.
He walked up to Han Min and said, “It’s getting late, let’s go back.”
“Yes.”
Wen Yan sat up and bowed to the two of them, saying, “Respectfully seeing off His Majesty, Lord Han, please take care.”
Han Min turned around and said, “Lord Wen, please take good care of yourself. I will come again tomorrow.”
Fu Xun, who was walking ahead, paused and frowned unhappily.
Come again tomorrow? Again tomorrow?
The corridor was narrow, and the two of them walked side by side, which was a bit cramped.
Inside the residence, Marquis Wenyuan hurriedly bowed deeply: “Your Majesty.” Fu Xun coldly glanced at him: “Be careful with your words and actions. Do you think you can make up stories about the officials in the court?”
Marquis Wenyuan nodded and replied, “Yes, yes.”
*
Logically speaking, Fu Xun should be happy that the two scholars, who were originally at odds, have made up.
But he wasn’t very happy sitting in the carriage.
Han Min glanced at him discreetly, his expression cold, unsure of what he was thinking.
After a while, the carriage entered the palace gate and stopped for a moment.
When the wooden wheels rolled over the palace road again, they made a rumbling sound.
Han Min didn’t know how to fathom the Emperor’s mind, and he really couldn’t figure it out, so he didn’t think about it anymore. He just propped himself up on his hands, sat in his seat, and swayed his legs as the carriage rocked.
Fu Xun suddenly raised his hand and brushed away a strand of hair that was swaying by his temple.
Han Min was startled and twisted his body to avoid it.
Fu Xun’s face darkened: “When you were crying in Wen Yan’s arms, you didn’t react this strongly.”
Han Min had missed the point and earnestly corrected him, “I didn’t cry, it was Wen Yan who cried.”
You think I was talking about that?
“My interactions with Wen Yan are always open and aboveboard; there is absolutely no factionalism involved.”
“Yeah?”
Han Min’s eyes were clear as he explained, “Friendship is about being open and honest.”
The carriage stopped in front of the Funing Palace, and Eunuch Yang announced from outside, “Your Majesty, we have arrived.”
Fu Xun remained seated and said to Han Min, “You’ve forgotten what I told you last night.”
What did he say last night?
Han Min thought back for a moment.
—Don’t always hang out with them, just stay by my side.
Fu Xun lifted the curtain and got off the carriage.
While Han Min was sitting in the carriage, still lost in thought, the system suddenly said, “Han Min, the control center has replied to the matter you asked me last time.”
He snapped out of his daze, and as he stepped down from the carriage, he asked, “What did I ask you?”
“Didn’t you ask me last time if Fu Xun would have a wife? I just asked the control center for you.”
Upon hearing this, Han Min slipped and fell off the footstool with a thud, his feet numb: “When did I ever ask such a gossipy question?”
“Just last time, when you went to Baishi Bookstore to deliver your manuscript and came back thinking Fu Xun knew about your storybook writing, you were dawdling around and asked me—”
The system mimicked his tone, saying, “‘Oh, System, does Fu Xun have a wife? His wife seems pretty understanding, right? Will I interfere with his finding a wife?'”
Han Min sighed helplessly, flicked his sleeves, and walked up the steps.
“I just blurted it out in a moment of panic. Besides, I asked you this question more than ten days ago, and you’re only giving me an answer now. Shouldn’t your work efficiency be improved?”
“I urged them to do it. Adjusting the plot data is very troublesome, and we even used your compensation to adjust the plot.”
“What compensation?”
“It’s the compensation the control center gave you last time to make up for your trip to Yong’an City alone. It gives you a general idea of ??the plot.”
Han Min paused in his steps: “So you used this hard-won opportunity for compensation on Fu Xun’s wife?”
System, “I think it’s great. This is still part of the series compensation. As the story progresses, we’ll tell you more about his wife’s story later.”
Han Min, “So why do I need to know about his wife’s storyline?”
System, “So, do you want to know who his wife is or not?”
Thinking of this, Han Min felt inexplicably annoyed: “I don’t want to know who his wife is…”
Just then, Fu Xun, who was walking in front of Han Min, suddenly stopped and turned around to brush his hair aside.
Han Min looked up and took a step back down the steps: “What’s wrong?”
Fu Xun, with a cold face, reached out and pinched his chin.
Han Min pouted as he was pinched, tilting his head back to look at him: “What are you doing?”
Fu Xun thought sullenly, “I’m jealous.”
Han Min also thought that with Fu Xun’s personality, it might be difficult for him to find a wife.
Author’s Note:
My Wife Says I Can’t Find a Wife
Old Fu: (Full of resentment)
Min Min: (Cute little goldfish pouting online)
Old Fu: My wife is so cute… But I’m still angry (trying to stay calm)
