Chapter 44: Let Him Come Over
The system particularly liked Xie Dingyuan’s calligraphy. As soon as it heard his name, it immediately popped up.
“Let me see, let me see.”
Han Min held the manuscript and, together with the system, read through ten or so pages.
“How is it? You’ve studied Xie Dingyuan quite deeply. Is this really his writing?”
The system hesitated. “It’s too messy to tell. Why don’t you just ask him?”
Han Min said, “I wouldn’t dare ask him. The moment I mentioned his writing, his expression changed. He probably doesn’t want me to know.”
The system sighed. “I see… then forget it. If he doesn’t want you to know, don’t press it.”
Han Min comforted it: “It’s fine. I’ll make friends with him; maybe later he’ll tell me himself.”
“Then you must get along well with him.”
“I will, I will.”
Han Min put down the manuscript and smiled at Xie Yan. “Mr. Xie…”
Xie Yan’s expression remained calm: “I don’t have a formal courtesy name. Call me ‘Xie Yan,’ or if you prefer, break the characters and call me ‘Mountain Stone.’”
“Brother Mountain Stone, I’ve glanced at the first few pages. Your story could work with a few revisions, though there are still some problems—”
Han Min placed the manuscript in front of him, glanced around, picked up a pen from the desk, rolled up his sleeves, and dipped it in ink.
It was a short story about ghosts and spirits. Han Min discussed it with him and modified some overly literary or illogical parts.
Holding the pen, he mused, “Your story feels like a civil service exam essay.”
Xie Yan paused, then said, “I occasionally help people write exam essays.”
“I thought so.”
Han Min nodded knowingly but didn’t dwell on it, continuing to guide him through the story. He was smart and quick to understand.
“Is this explanation clear enough?”
Xie Yan thought for a moment, then nodded: “Yes.”
Han Min handed him the pen. “Then you revise a section.”
Xie Yan took the pen, and Han Min noticed the way he held it. Catching Han Min’s gaze, Xie Yan withdrew his left hand into his sleeve.
Han Min smiled kindly, showing his own hands: “I also write left-handed. My right hand was injured.”
Xie Yan lowered his eyes and responded softly.
So, they worked together: Xie Yan revised a part, Han Min checked it. By nearly noon, Han Min set down the manuscript.
“This should be about it. You can revise more at home.”
Xie Yan nodded calmly: “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Mr. Ge hadn’t returned yet. Since the two weren’t very familiar, the atmosphere was slightly awkward.
Han Min said, “He’s probably drunk again and lost track of time. Let’s leave for now. I’ll leave him a note.”
Xie Yan lowered his head to pack up: “Alright.”
While Han Min wrote the note, Xie Yan asked casually, “Your stories were published only this year. Did you just start writing this year?”
“No,” Han Min replied, pressing the note onto the desk. “I’ve been at the bookstore for two years, helping authors continue their manuscripts. Those early volumes were the first I wrote myself.”
“I see.”
He packed up his things and slung them over his back.
Han Min asked, “Shall I walk you back?”
Xie Yan, unused to such questions, stopped awkwardly: “No need.”
“Then let’s walk together.”
They exited Baishi Bookstore together, the clerk calling out for them to take care.
Han Min wore a sun hat, and Xie Yan adjusted his bundle.
They walked side by side, still in silence.
After two or three streets, Xie Yan said, “If it’s not on your way, you don’t need to escort me.”
Han Min said, “I’m not escorting you. I’m headed this way anyway.”
“Alright.”
After a few more streets, Xie Yan added, “I… really am not Xie Dingyuan. My place isn’t good; you don’t need to follow me.”
Han Min tilted his head slightly, his face shadowed by the hat: “I’m not following you. I’m just going this way.”
“Where are you going? I can take you there.”
“To Jianguo Temple. My senior brother invited me for lunch there.”
Xie Yan paused, then lowered his head and walked on.
Han Min found it odd and followed: “Where are you going?”
Xie Yan replied softly: “Jianguo Temple.”
Han Min suppressed a laugh: “What a coincidence. You live there?”
“Yes, I have some acquaintance with the abbot, and it’s convenient to stay in the meditation hall.”
They arrived at Jianguo Temple. It was the largest temple in Yong’an city, funded by the imperial court.
Inside, Xie Yan called over a young novice, pointing at Han Min. “This is Mr. Han, looking for his senior brother. Go notify him.”
The novice bowed to Han Min: “Which senior brother, please?”
“Not a young monk’s senior, my own senior—Senior Brother Liu Ting of the Liu family.”
“Please wait, sir.”
They stood silently before the main hall. Xie Yan said, “Old Scholar Liu, the former tutor of Jiangbei?”
Han Min was slightly surprised: “…Yes.”
It had been many years; Han Min only knew of it from hearsay.
Old Scholar Liu was formerly the Tutor of the Crown Prince in Song state, fled one night in his twenties, crossing by boat to Great Qi. Later, Emperor Dezong honored him, appointing him as a scholar in Yong’an, giving the Liu family its noble reputation.
Xie Yan commented, “After all these years in Qi, the scholars here still lack true spirit. The southern wilderness… no wonder.”
Perhaps he wasn’t referring to Han Min specifically, but Han Min felt slightly annoyed.
“What do you mean by that? You haven’t met many scholars.”
Han Min then spotted Liu Ting coming from the hall corridor and didn’t speak to Xie Yan again, walking up to his senior brother.
“Senior Brother.”
Liu Ting held his hand, noticing Xie Yan nearby: “Your friend?”
Han Min frowned slightly and brought Xie Yan forward.
“Senior Brother, this is my newly met friend, Mr. Xie Yan.”
“My senior brother, Liu Ting, the most upright scholar in Qi.”
Liu Ting smiled and playfully scolded him: “Don’t exaggerate.”
Han Min folded his hands and watched Xie Yan. Xie Yan pursed his lips and whispered, “Sorry.”
Unclear what they had been discussing, Liu Ting still smiled gently: “Mr. Xie, would you like a simple meal in the temple?”
Xie Yan declined: “No need. I live here and am used to the food. Farewell.”
Liu Ting accepted this gracefully, then looked at Han Min: “Shall we eat?”
“Sure.”
Han Min took Liu Ting’s hand, leading him aside, explaining softly: “That’s his temper. Don’t mind him.”
Liu Ting slowed his pace: “Got it.”
“Senior Brother, don’t be upset.”
“I’m fine. We just went the wrong way.”
Han Min corrected their direction; Liu Ting patted his head.
At Jianguo Temple, the vegetarian meal was simple. Facing each other, Liu Ting served Han Min.
“I see your friend has a remarkable presence. Who is he?”
“Just an ordinary friend, met today. I don’t know what he does, and he doesn’t seem to want me to know.”
Han Min picked at the food: “He’s down on his luck but bold—he dismissed all Qi scholars at once. I don’t care about him.”
Liu Ting smiled warmly: “Alright, I won’t ask further.”
He ate quietly.
After a while, Liu Ting asked: “Will you return together later?”
“Yes.”
“My grandmother and mother brought the second sister and asked the abbot to draw lots. Might take some time. Eat and rest; I’ll check on them and prepare horses.”
Han Min agreed, ate simple vegetarian dishes with porridge, and stretched.
Just as he was about to rest, he heard two meows outside.
—Meow meow.
Han Min was instantly awake.
He called the system and went out to find the cat.
“System, hurry! It’s your beloved kitty.”
“Clearly it’s yours.”
The temple cat, eating vegetarian food, was small and clean, amber-eyed, lazily lying on the threshold in the sun.
Han Min crept forward, calling softly: “Little kitty.”
The cat wasn’t afraid, letting Han Min hold it.
Han Min petted it like a child: “What are you doing here? Have you eaten?”
The cat barely moved, but then rubbed its face against his hand.
The system’s electronic voice said: “You’re too silly. It doesn’t even care about you.”
Han Min shook it: “Give me back my kitty!”
The system retorted: “Am I not your favorite cat?”
Han Min countered: “Am I your favorite human?”
“You are.”
“Bull. Your favorite is clearly Xie Dingyuan.”
“Hmph, I don’t love him anymore. Even if all Qi scholars are mediocre, you are the best.”
Han Min felt moved and flipped the cat to scratch its belly: “System.”
“Mhm.”
Suddenly a voice behind him: “Its name isn’t ‘System.’”
Caught in the act, Han Min quickly handed the cat back.
He turned: “Sorry, I…”
The cat’s owner—Xie Yan.
The system sulked: “Ugh, I’m dirty now.”
Han Min comforted it: “Not that bad.”
He returned the cat: “Sorry, here.”
Xie Yan received it expressionlessly: “Want to sit in my place?”
“Hmm?”
Before Han Min could react, he turned to walk away.
Han Min thought for a moment, then followed.
Xie Yan lived modestly in a meditation room behind Jianguo Temple.
The room was stacked with Buddhist texts. On the desk were pens, a dry inkstone, and scattered artworks.
“Sit wherever,” Xie Yan said.
Han Min found a spot. Xie Yan poured tea.
“I used to write calligraphy for others. As long as I could imitate Xie Dingyuan well, I got paid. Later, I stopped.”
Han Min understood his pride.
Whether he was Xie Dingyuan or not, buyers just wanted the name. The actual writing or skill was secondary.
So he stopped writing, feeling slightly unjust.
Xie Yan handed him a cup: “Sorry for earlier words, insulting Qi scholars.”
“It’s fine.”
Han Min sipped the cold tea, frowned. He didn’t care about such details.
They talked casually, from poetry to philosophy.
As the sun leaned west, a young novice entered: “Mr. Han, the Liu family will return soon. They asked me to notify you.”
Han Min nodded: “I’ll leave now.”
Xie Yan rose to see him off.
The system whispered: “Rare moment.”
Outside, Liu family’s carriage was ready. Liu Ting held the horses. Seeing Han Min, he waved.
Han Min told Xie Yan: “Remember to give Mr. Ge the revised manuscript tomorrow.”
After saying this, he walked to Liu Ting, took the reins, and mounted.
Liu Ting mounted as well; the carriage moved.
Behind, Liu Yu leaned by the window, glancing briefly before daydreaming.
Ahead, Madam Liu held a yellow slip, worried: “Why did the lot say ‘pure and upright in the human world’ for Yu’er? Not for Liu Ting”
Old Madam Liu remained silent.
Early next morning, Xie Yan took the manuscript to Baishi Bookstore to see Mr. Ge.
Mr. Ge approved and handed him a bag of silver as payment.
Xie Yan asked: “Was this from the Pine Smoke Ink Guest?”
Mr. Ge stuffed the money in his hands: “Yes, he used to do this. He wants to help you now, considering your feelings. That’s good enough.”
Xie Yan hesitated, finally saying: “I’ll return it to him later.”
Mr. Ge smiled: “Right, go. I’ll call you when it’s printed.”
After sending Xie Yan off, Mr. Ge went to the Duke of Xin Mansion to report.
An old steward came out:
“Mr. Ge.”
After greetings, Mr. Ge asked: “Has your master returned? That house on Gouchen Street—I urgently need to buy it for a friend to settle family.”
The steward apologized: “The Duke escorted the late emperor’s coffin to the Ming Mountain tomb and hasn’t returned. Once he’s back, I’ll report this matter.”
Mr. Ge pressed: “It’s odd. That house is empty, not even good. Besides the Duke, no one can decide?”
The steward: “The house belonged to the Duke’s old friend. He might not sell, so no one dares decide. Please understand and have your friend look elsewhere.”
Mr. Ge left, already calculating. Shortly after, Li Shu’s nephew, Ji Heng, returned drunk.
The steward assisted him, warning about excessive spending during the mourning period. Ji Heng ignored him.
Thinking of the 1,500 taels spent previously on Xie Dingyuan copies, Ji Heng decided to handle the house purchase himself to get a little profit.
He persuaded the steward to allow him to meet Mr. Ge and negotiate.
The Duke Mansion notified Mr. Ge, who promptly informed Han Min.
That night, Han Min calculated earnings at his desk.
Mr. Ge gave him the total earnings from five storybooks: 800 taels.
Han Min grinned: “Not bad for me, little rich man Han Min.”
It was enough to buy the house and still have some leftover.
The system warned: “Be careful of the seller raising the price.”
Han Min: “It’s our family’s house; only we like it. Besides, Mr. Ge is our financial expert.”
System: “When is the meeting?”
“April 1st.”
“Not your first day as palace steward?”
“No problem. They said evening; I’ll make it after leaving the palace.”
System saw him putting away the abacus and books and brought out new manuscript paper.
Han Min dipped his pen and wrote the title:
“The Emperor and the Scholar of the Third Place: Two or Three Matters.”
“Starting Volume Six?”
“Yes. After buying the house, renovations are needed. I don’t know if my grandfather’s side needs money, so I must keep writing.”
System: “Little money-grubber Han Min.”
Han Min hummed a tune while writing.
—
After the new emperor ascended, most officials retained their previous posts.
After imprisoning the Duke of Gong, the emperor replaced key officials.
Last year’s scholar Chu Yu led the selection, with a few trusted ministers drafting the roster, finalized by Fu Xun.
From mid to late March, appointment documents reached the officials’ residences.
April 1st was the first day of duty for the palace stewards, including Han Min.
He was woken early, washed, dressed in the official red spring robe, with a dust veil, and jade buttons fastened.
Liu Ting saw him off, giving instructions: follow other officials, don’t argue with the emperor, and avoid mistakes.
Han Min nodded obediently.
At the palace gate, he was reminded to wear his hat correctly.
Entering Funing Palace, he recorded the emperor’s daily activities in Wenying Hall.
Official Yu arrived, explaining palace steward duties, and Han Min reviewed prior records carefully.
The emperor’s schedule was regular: meetings on the first and fifteenth, reviewing documents, meals, and rest. Extraordinary words or interactions were recorded for posterity.
Suddenly, a clear voice outside accompanied by footsteps:
“Sorry, I overslept!”
Han Min was grabbed from behind by Chu Yu, joking: “Lord Han, your robe seems redder today?”
Han Min jumped: “You…?”
Chu Yu had been assigned a low-ranking post to learn, so he came to Wenying Hall with Han Min, just as previously mentioned.
The emperor, Fu Xun, instructed palace staff: “Call palace steward Han here.”
One servant returned: “Official Yu said they are new and not familiar, perhaps…”
Fu Xun interrupted: “Which Official Yu?”
“The previous year’s Third Place Scholar, Chu Yu.”
Fu Xun twitched his right eye.
He had left Chu Yu to pick a post himself, not expecting him to end up alongside Han Min.
Chu Yu and Han Min, like scholars, preferred to stick together.
Fu Xun ordered: “Let Han Min come. Chu Yu is off duty today; let him go home.”
Han Min arrived running, saluted, slightly out of breath.
Chu Yu’s gaze was approving; Han Min’s robe was redder than usual palace steward attire.
Author’s Note:
Today, Han Min is in a special official uniform.
Han Min: First day of work, and the boss is already difficult!
Fu Xun: Secretly dressing the wife differently, she looks beautiful.
