Chapter 57: Gritting Teeth
Outside the Funing Palace, Han Min hurriedly descended the steps. Chu Yu was waiting for him below.
Chu Yu reached out his hand to pull him: “Finally, you’re out. Let’s go, let’s go.”
Han Min glanced back. Chu Yu hooked his finger at him: “What’s wrong?”
He turned back, hesitating: “It seems the Emperor isn’t quite himself today.”
Inside the hall, Fu Xun was slumped on the couch, lost in thought.
—Han Min is leaving. I won’t see him for a whole month. I’m going to die. I’m going to die, truly.
At that moment, someone leaned on the door and poked their head in: “What’s wrong?”
Hearing Han Min’s voice, Fu Xun quickly sat up, tidied his clothes, and restored his usual majestic demeanor.
Yet his tone betrayed a hint of jealousy: “Weren’t you supposed to leave the palace just now?”
Han Min replied, “Your Majesty just granted me a golden token for free passage. Have you forgotten already?”
“What are you back for?”
“Shall I leave now?”
Fu Xun pushed open the window, glanced outside.
Outside, Chu Yu was walking toward the palace gate.
He was walking alone, and Han Min would not leave.
Sure enough, Han Min stepped forward and sat beside him.
The inner hall was unlit, dim and shadowy.
After a brief silence, as dusk fell, both were about to speak when a palace attendant outside spoke first, “Your Majesty, dinner is ready.”
Fu Xun got down from the couch and, taking advantage of the darkness, went over to Han Min and tugged him hard.
Han Min let out an “Ah!” lost his balance, and fell directly onto him, frantically grabbing his belt.
Fu Xun steadied himself, letting Han Min “throw himself into his arms.” His usually stern face softened into a faint smile.
Once stable, Han Min felt slightly embarrassed.
“I was rude.”
Fu Xun suppressed a laugh: “No matter.” He held Han Min’s arm: “Are you steady now?”
“Yes.”
Dinner was set in the outer hall. As long as Han Min ate in the palace, the Empress Dowager would surely have some dishes sent over.
Han Min held his bowl, bit his chopsticks, and asked: “What was wrong with Your Majesty just now?”
He couldn’t exactly say, Because you’re leaving, I was sad and couldn’t move.
Fu Xun didn’t answer but placed a portion of food on his plate.
Han Min thought perhaps it was because he was leaving that Fu Xun had been unusually kind to him, serving him food and soup—truly a mark of imperial favor.
He wasn’t being teased, which Han Min still found slightly unfamiliar.
He thought for a moment, then said: “I’m only leaving for a month. I’ll be back soon. For matters in the offices, there’s Lord Chu and Minister Yu—Your Majesty need not worry.”
“I know.”
“Then…”
“Nothing.” Fu Xun coughed lightly, finding a convenient excuse: “I’m preoccupied with state affairs.”
Han Min pondered and suddenly remembered something.
“Is it about the Song envoys arriving in Yong’an to congratulate Your Majesty’s accession?”
Fu Xun had forgotten about it himself, but now that Han Min mentioned it, he went along.
“Yes.”
Han Min nodded and said: “Our Qi and Song will inevitably have a war. If Your Majesty wishes to end it during the Dingyuan years, you needn’t be overly courteous to them.”
Fu Xun suddenly asked: “Do you know who’s coming?”
Han Min nodded again: “During the early-month court session, I heard Chancellor Jiang mention it. Song’s Duke of Guangning, and a princess.”
“Princess Rongning.”
“Yes.”
Fu Xun saw his expression was normal, but couldn’t resist asking: “Song sent a princess, and you…”
Han Min swallowed, looked at him: “Hmm? You mean Song wants to marry her to you?” He instinctively exclaimed: “My heavens, have the Song people lost their minds? Marry her to you?”
Fu Xun’s face darkened. Angrily, he called his name: “Han Min!”
Han Min smiled: “I know you well—you wouldn’t marry someone you don’t even know.”
He spoke frankly: “Besides, who could tolerate your temper?”
Moreover, a war with Song was inevitable. Why would he marry a Song princess?
The system had also said: Fu Xun’s empress would be a male empress.
With so many reasons, Han Min wasn’t worried at all.
He even served Fu Xun food, earnestly reminding him: “A boy alone at home must protect himself.”
Fu Xun’s expression twitched: “Speak properly.”
“Oh, if you’re not good at dealing with romance, just keep your distance.”
“You want me to stay away from that princess?”
“Yes, just avoid her.”
Fu Xun saw his earnestness and replied: “Alright.” —Han Min begged himself; well, then I would grant his wish and keep away from the Song princess.
Han Min thought Fu Xun had been upset over this, so he relaxed, focusing on eating.
Finally, Fu Xun said: “Also, don’t provoke others outside.”
Han Min was puzzled: “Why would I provoke anyone?”
“If others provoke you, ignore them.”
“Why would anyone provoke me?”
Han Min added quietly: “It’s always you who likes to provoke me the most.”
Which was true.
Only Fu Xun liked to tease him, only Fu Xun knew how playful he was, how likable.
To Fu Xun, he was a walking little treasure.
So Fu Xun’s only reminder was that.
—
After dinner, Han Min prepared to leave the palace.
Fu Xun ordered the carriage harnessed and insisted on escorting him personally.
Han Min couldn’t refuse, so they rode together back to the Liu Mansion.
He dismounted; Fu Xun lifted the carriage curtain: “You may go in.”
“Yes.”
Han Min bowed, sent the carriage away, and returned to the mansion—but the carriage didn’t move.
Fu Xun said: “Go inside first.”
“Alright.”
So Han Min entered the Liu Mansion through a side gate. Fu Xun watched him go in before giving the order to drive.
They would depart early the next morning. After washing up, Han Min lit a lamp, hugged his long sword, and lay down.
He suddenly remembered Fu Xun had asked if he wanted to switch what he was holding.
Did he want the sword back? Or to give him something else? Or hint that he shouldn’t reveal it, to save face?
Han Min didn’t understand and pushed the thought aside, adjusted his position, and quickly fell asleep.
A rare night of good dreams.
—
The next morning, the young servant knocked to wake him and brought hot water and breakfast.
“Did you sleep well last night, Master? Didn’t stay up late, right? You leave early today.”
Behind the curtain, Han Min sat up, stretched, and yawned.
“I didn’t stay up. I slept early last night and feel great now.”
He lifted the curtain, got out of bed, and shook his arms.
After washing and during breakfast, Liu Ting arrived.
“Min Min, are you well?”
Han Min stuffed two or three crab roe buns in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a cloth: “I’m fine.”
This trip to Tongzhou, Han Min brought the young servant and Wei Huan; Liu Ting brought only a small servant, packing lightly.
At the main hall, the Liu family and Eunuch Yang, along with Old Physician Liang, were waiting.
To the elders, the two were still young and inexperienced, requiring more guidance.
Old Liu instructed Liu Ting: “Your junior brother is young. Take care of him. In Tongzhou, check on your sister and Pei’er, then inquire after Old Han, and report everything in Yong’an is fine.”
Liu Ting acknowledged.
He also reminded Han Min: “Your senior brother is soft-hearted. Some things require your decision. Greet your grandfather for me and tell him to return soon.”
Han Min nodded: “I’ll remember.”
Then Mrs. Liu pulled Liu Ting aside to advise him to take care of himself and gave him some items:
“I only thought of these last night; they’ll be useful on the road.”
Liu Ting was about to refuse, but Liu An, standing nearby, laughed: “Your mother woke me up last night to buy these things. Keep them.”
Liu Ting accepted the items.
Han Min was also pulled aside by the elders.
Eunuch Yang gave him a small cloth bag: “Your favorite snacks, all prepared. Eat on the boat if bored.”
Han Min reached to open it, but Eunuch Yang tapped his hand: “Only eat when bored, not now.”
Han Min pouted. Eunuch Yang softened, patting his head: “Does your grandfather never buy you snacks? Only with me can you eat some. When Old Han returns, I’ll talk to him.”
Old Physician Liang said: “Nonsense, it’s your fault he cried. He’s far in Tongzhou and unfairly blamed.”
He handed Han Min several medicine bottles: “Sweet pills you often took as a child. Your body is weak; take care.”
Han Min placed the medicine bottles into Eunuch Yang’s snack bag.
Then Eunuch Yang turned to the young servant: “Take care of him properly, don’t slack off. Also take care of yourself; tell Min’er if anything happens—he’ll know what to do.”
Old Liu also gave Han Min two books to read on the road.
Eunuch Yang and Physician Liang insisted he take them.
“You won’t see him for a month, yet you give him homework? The boat will be too bumpy, he’ll ruin his eyes reading.”
Old Liu argued: “Excellence comes from diligence…”
Eunuch Yang hugged Han Min: “Just a month. No problem. Listen, Min’er, no homework.”
Old Liu feigned anger: “You old man, you’re illiterate; don’t corrupt my student.”
“I’ll learn when Old Han returns.”
“You’re too late, you’re old.”
They argued, eventually turning to Physician Liang.
He handed the books to Han Min: “Take them if you want; good for the road.”
Han Min finally collected the books: “Don’t worry, I’ll read them in my spare time.”
After more words, a servant reported that the horses were ready.
After farewells, they mounted. Soon their figures disappeared from view.
Yong’an City had no river, only a medium-sized Yuanyang Lake. To travel by water, they first went to the eastern dock, Zhoushan Town.
Though called a town, Zhoushan was a major transport hub.
In the past, emperors traveling by water to the south set out from Zhoushan.
A fast horse could cover it in half a day.
Once out of the city, Chu Yu and Wen Yan sat in a teahouse outside, drinking tea.
Seeing them, Chu Yu hurriedly pushed Wen Yan forward and handed Han Min a written note.
“Along the way, our family’s estates are informed. If anything happens, seek them out.”
Han Min thanked him and tucked the note into his bosom.
Chu Yu sighed: “Without you, only the two of us in Yong’an City—it’s too dull.”
Han Min laughed: “You’re not here to play; you’re here to serve, Explorer Lang.”
“Hey, I heard you have a brother. Bring him back quickly and introduce him to me.”
“Understood. Last time when I took you to meet Bian Zhang, you said the same thing. You just like young noblemen, don’t you?”
After joking, Han Min looked at Wen Yan in his wheelchair: “By next month, your leg should be better, right?”
Wen Yan nodded: “Yes.”
“When I return, working in court together, you shouldn’t mind me, right?”
Wen Yan shyly lowered his head, gently tapping the ground with his uninjured leg: “Go quickly.”
“Then I’m off.”
Han Min loosened the reins, pressed his legs against the horse, and it galloped.
Liu Ting followed, with Wei Huan, the young servant, and Liu Ting’s attendant behind.
High above, Turnip Head flapped its wings, following overhead.
Han Min rode the horse borrowed from his brother Han Shi, with a brush holder at his waist and a small bundle on his back containing clothes and a bamboo hat.
It looked the same as when he first came to Yong’an, except now he also carried a sword at his waist.
As the sun rose, he put on the bamboo hat, its wide brim shading his face.
He looked at Liu Ting: “Senior Brother, didn’t Jiang Shi come to see you off?”
Liu Ting, riding his horse, had a naturally red vermilion mole on his forehead: “He had matters today. Yesterday he invited me to a meal. Did Zhuoshi invite you since you didn’t come?”
“No,” Han Min adjusted his hat, “The Emperor kept me in the palace.”
Liu Ting probed: “Has your relationship improved?”
Han Min scratched his head: “It’s… alright, I guess.”
“I think so, otherwise why carry the Emperor’s sword?”
Han Min was slightly stunned, instinctively gripping the sword at his waist: “Senior Brother, how did you know?”
Liu Ting shook his head, smiling: “Look at the inscription on the hilt.”
“Ah?”
On the sword hilt, there was indeed a character. Han Min, when sleeping with the sword, always unconsciously touched the character without noticing its meaning.
He rarely carried the sword out, so no one had pointed it out.
Liu Ting’s reminder revealed it: it was the character — Xun.
Too obvious. Han Min’s face flushed.
“Senior Brother, don’t misunderstand. This sword was given to me long ago…”
“Really?”
“No, I mean I often carry it…”
“Keep your distance.”
“I know, but this sword…”
Forget it. Impossible to explain.
The southern terrain was rugged, official roads winding; horses traveled slowly. It was already summer, and the dense foliage provided shade.
Near noon, a few rumbles of thunder sounded, as if the early heat signaled rain.
Passing a temple, they decided to shelter there and have a vegetarian meal.
As expected, just as they led their horses in, standing under the eaves, clouds rolled and a downpour began.
Raindrops pounded on the trees and rooftops.
Han Min took out a small bamboo whistle from his pocket and blew it toward the sky.
Turnip Head heard the sound, dived through the rain, and landed on his outstretched arm.
Han Min shook off the water: “You silly thing, can’t even find shelter in the rain.”
Turnip Head nuzzled his hand. Han Min patted his shoulder to coax it over.
The eagle was heavy.
It had fully recovered from its previous injuries, and Han Min hadn’t made it deliver messages, only cared for it, letting it eat and drink freely. No wonder it had grown heavy.
Then Liu Ting came out.
“The vegetarian meal will be ready shortly. We’ll eat with the masters.”
“Senior Brother is versed in Buddhism. With your alms, I’m sure I’ll get a meal too.”
“Chatterbox. It’s cold in the mountains. Let’s go inside.”
“Alright.”
As they turned, a commotion arose.
Looking back, a group in the same situation sought shelter from the rain at the temple, carrying ceremonial items and horse carriages.
They couldn’t take the carriages up the steps, so they held umbrellas and guided others inside.
It was a display of grandeur from some notable family.
Han Min glanced, then looked away to leave.
Suddenly, Turnip Head flapped its wings, splashing water all over his face.
“You naughty eagle, what are you doing?”
Han Min wiped his face, caught its wings like grabbing a chicken.
—
At the temple gate, some attendants held umbrellas, others lifted skirts, surrounding a veiled woman who raised her hand to hold people back.
She pointed at Han Min, who was carrying the eagle: “I found it amusing, and was momentarily stunned.”
An attendant said: “Just an eagle. Wait, my brother will buy it.”
He called another servant: “Ask that person how much for the eagle. I’ll buy it.”
The servant ran and loudly hailed Han Min.
Han Min, about to enter the main hall with Liu Ting, still holding Turnip Head like a chicken, turned upon hearing him.
The servant, Guang Xiubo, ran gracefully.
He bowed: “Young master, our lord wants to buy your eagle. Name your price.”
Han Min replied: “Sorry, this eagle was given by a friend. I’ve cared for it a long time. I won’t sell.”
“No price is too high. Our lord’s sister really likes it…”
“Sorry, not for sale at any price.”
Liu Ting pulled him away.
The servant, frustrated by Han Min’s stubborn refusal, grew angry: “Do you know who my lord is? If he shows his status, it’s no longer about money—you’ll have to hand it over!”
Han Min’s gaze hardened. He looked at Liu Ting: “Who is your lord?”
“My lord is the Song Prince of Guangning. His sister is Princess Rongning of Song.”
Unluckily, Han Min had spoken to Fu Xun about them yesterday, yet today he encountered them first.
Before Han Min could speak, a richly dressed man approached: “What’s happening? Buying an eagle takes so long?”
This must be Guangning Prince Zhao Cun.
He looked hostile, making Han Min uneasy.
He pushed the servant aside: “State your price.”
Though he said “please,” his tone was overbearing.
Han Min was about to reply, but Liu Ting stepped in front: “This eagle is my junior brother’s cherished item. He doesn’t want to sell; you needn’t insist. Thank you.”
Liu Ting pulled him away. Zhao Cun, feeling humiliated in front of everyone, turned pale and reached for Han Min’s shoulder: “Stop!”
Turnip Head flapped hard and clawed him.
Three bloody scratches appeared on the back of his hand.
Zhao Cun shrieked and withdrew his hand.
Han Min turned: “Sorry, it thought you were attacking.” He paused: “So, were you?”
They lingered outside; Wei Huan and the young servant came out.
Wei Huan drew his sword and pulled Han Min behind him; the young servant hugged him.
“Who? Who wants to fight?”
Zhao Cun shouted in rage: “Where are you? Come here! I was scratched by this beast!”
The rain eased. Seeing the chaos, Princess Rongning, veiled, advanced.
She noticed the sword at Han Min’s waist, saw the inscription, stepped back, and bowed: “Sir, my brother acted rashly and offended you. I apologize on his behalf.”
Hearing this, Zhao Cun turned green with anger but couldn’t argue with his sister.
Han Min said: “It’s nothing. But I notice that in Song, merely showing status makes others hand over items willingly. In Qi, does a prince or princess’s status carry the same weight?”
Princess Rongning smiled: “Of course not. My brother was impatient. I apologize on his behalf.”
The temple masters separated them, guiding them to different rooms.
“Vegetarian dishes are ready. Please follow me.”
Inside, Zhao Cun sat heavily, furious.
He asked Princess Rongning: “Why did you…”
She hurriedly said: “Brother, don’t rush to anger. Guess what I saw on the young man in blue just now?”
“What?”
“His sword, inscribed with ‘Xun.’ I remember Qi’s emperor’s name is ‘Xun.’”
Zhao Cun was shocked: “You mean…?” He hesitated: “But he looked weak, not like someone commanding troops at fifteen in the northwest. Are you mistaken?”
“Impossible,” Princess Rongning said firmly. “Everyone in Qi avoids using that character. No one would carve it on a personal sword or give such a thing away, especially not the Emperor. He may just appear delicate.”
Zhao Cun exhaled: luckily she stopped him; otherwise, it would have been a disaster.
He suddenly asked: “Then why would the Emperor of Qi come here?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Princess Rongning glanced at Zhao Cun secretly.
Zhao Cun, as she intended, clapped and laughed: “I see. He must have known you’d pass here, so came to see you. Your sisterly manners surely impressed him.”
Princess Rongning turned her head, covering her face: “Brother, don’t speak nonsense.”
—
Elsewhere, Han Min, mistaken for Fu Xun, held a bowl and ate.
Wei Huan said angrily: “That Song prince is unreasonable. The princess…”
Liu Ting served him food, calmly: “The princess is shrewd. She walked ahead, letting Zhao Cun bring up the rear. She only wanted the eagle, so Zhao Cun sent someone to buy it. When the quarrel began, she could have mediated, but stayed aside until it was too late, then resolved it.”
Wei Huan nodded.
Han Min thought more and more, then put down his bowl and got paper and brushes.
The rain had stopped. He could have Turnip Head deliver a message.
He wrote a short, forceful note to Fu Xun:
The Song envoys are deceitful.
He added a line in small letters:
If you dare marry the princess, I’ll break off ties with you.
He even drew a “gritting teeth” expression, surrounded by small flames, representing his anger.
Author’s note:
Old Fu at this time—his wife just left, and he misses her.
Receiving a letter from his wife (jumping out of bed): He just left for a while and already wrote to me… Who’s the princess? Don’t ruin my innocence!
