Chapter 64: Held in the Palm of the Hand
When Han Min left Baishi Bookstore, it was still early.
He thought to himself: although Han Li wasn’t much to begin with, after all, he was the one Han Min had brought out, so he’d have to bring him back too. Wen Yan and Chu Yu might not like him, but they wouldn’t be excessively difficult—just polite. That would be fine.
So he went to Wenyuan Hou Mansion again.
When he pushed the door open, Chu Yu and Wen Yan were huddled together looking at something, still holding pens as they made corrections.
The moment they saw him, they immediately put their work away.
Seeing their expressions, Han Min knew for sure—they were writing stories about the Qi Ju Lang.
But he already had a way to deal with it; he didn’t care.
Han Min walked up to them, hands behind his back, head held high, a smug, mysterious smile at the corner of his mouth. He reached out to gently stroke Chu Yu’s hair with a look of affectionate pity.
Chu Yu, confused, turned to him. “What are you doing?”
Han Min still smiled, and Chu Yu slapped his hand away. “Did going out make you stupid?”
Han Min shook his head. “No. By the way, where’s Han Li?”
“He left. He realized that Xie Yan, despite passing the imperial exams twice, wasn’t unfit—he just scored top marks twice and was stunned for a while. He wanted to chase after you, but didn’t want to leave the two of us behind. Bianzhang kindly tried to make him stay for lunch, but he felt embarrassed and found an excuse to leave.”
“I see.”
Han Min sat down beside him, so now three people were sitting together on the same couch.
Wen Yan, at the far end, nudged them. “You’re squishing me.”
Han Min and Chu Yu exchanged glances, each trying to push the other aside.
“I want to sit next to Bianzhang.”
“You get out.”
After a brief struggle, Han Min finally said, “You’ve been here all day; I haven’t seen Bianzhang in a while.”
Chu Yu glanced at him one last time, reluctantly moving to sit on the other side.
Han Min looped his arm around Wen Yan’s. “My dear Bianzhang.”
Wen Yan frowned. “Sit if you want, leave if you don’t. Have you been reading too many storybooks?”
Han Min fell silent and sat quietly.
Wen Yan asked again, “Why would you bring that kind of person here?”
Chu Yu chimed in, “Exactly. Why would you bring someone like that here? I almost had to clean up after him just now.”
Han Min hesitated. “He’s family. When I was in Yong’an, he took care of Tongzhou for me.”
“How did he take care of it? Did you give him money?”
Han Min nodded. “I sent some things, and he’d check in from time to time. I gave him double the money.”
Chu Yu frowned. “Giving money is enough, isn’t it? Does he still need you to introduce him to others? Who have you taken him to meet?”
“Senior Brother Liu, and both of you.”
“That’s fine. We know how to judge people and how to keep him separate from you. Just don’t always bring him along—wouldn’t want anything bad to happen and drag you into it.”
“I know.” Han Min reached up and lifted Chu Yu’s chin. “I know you’re worried about me, Zhuoshi. Don’t worry—I understand everything.”
Chu Yu brushed his hand away. “You little fool.”
Han Min pouted and turned his head, wrapping an arm around Wen Yan’s shoulders.
“By the way, I went to the bookstore to see Mr. Ge just now and saw that guy from the street beating the drum again.”
Wen Yan understood immediately. “He’s upset again because you copied the Prime Minister’s work?”
“He pointed at the wooden fish tubs of the street vendor and said, ‘This one’s the Censor, this one’s the Third-Rank Scholar.’”
As Han Min spoke, he held both of their hands and said softly, “Ah, they’re all fish raised by the Pine Smoke Ink Guest scholars. Feels pretty nice, having them hugging you on both sides.”
He pinched Wen Yan’s chin. “Come on, blow a bubble for the Pine Smoke Ink Guest scholar to see.”
The next moment, he was thrown to the ground by the “two fish.”
Wen Yan pinched his face in return. “You blow a bubble for me.”
—
Han Li returned home in embarrassment. After seeing what kind of person he was, Han Min didn’t really want to bother with him, but he was worried Han Li might disturb his grandfather.
So he didn’t linger at Wenyuan Hou Mansion and quickly headed home.
On the way back, he didn’t see Han Li. Only in the shaded part of the courtyard were four bamboo and rattan chairs arranged, with Grandpa Han sitting with friends, talking.
Eunuch Yang was holding Han Pei, who had a book in his hands. They sat in the middle chairs, surrounded by a group of people teaching them literacy.
Old Scholar Liu pointed to a character in the corner of the book. “Brother Pei, what character did we just learn?”
Han Pei hesitated. “This one…”
He cast a pleading look at Eunuch Yang , but Yang, though learning alongside him, couldn’t remember either.
“This…” Eunuch Yang turned his eyes and saw Han Min, and set the book down. “Ah, my Min Min is back.”
Grandpa Han frowned. “‘Your Min Min’? Where did this ‘your Min Min’ come from? This is mine.” He waved at Han Min. “Good grandson, come here.”
Han Min greeted the elders and then walked behind his grandfather.
“Why are you just standing there? Go get a chair and sit.”
He carried two chairs and sat down with Han Pei.
Grandpa Han handed him a snack and asked quietly, “Weren’t you out with Brother Li? Why did he come back alone at noon with a sour face? What happened?”
Han Min thought for a moment, sent Han Pei off to play, then recounted the entire situation exactly as it happened.
“Zhuoshi probably just acted on impulse, wanting to test him.”
After hearing this, the elders fell silent.
Old Scholar Liu, who knew Chu Yu, said, “It wasn’t an impulse. Chu Yu grew up in a wealthy family, has met all kinds of people, and can read people well.”
Eunuch Yang said, “That Han Li is really insatiable. Yesterday he brought his article for Old Liu to review. Before anything was said, he was eager to have Old Liu take another disciple, kneeling and calling him ‘teacher.’ If I hadn’t stopped him, he might have formally apprenticed.
“Later he heard somehow that I’m Min Min’s godfather, and insisted on giving me something and formally recognizing me. But when he found out I’m a eunuch, he refused. Maybe he resents Min Min for having a eunuch as godfather?”
The elders couldn’t help laughing, then quickly straightened their expressions.
Physician Liang said, “Old Yang, he’s complimenting you. Other eunuchs look very much like eunuchs. You don’t, so he mistook you.”
Eunuch Yang laughed, then advised Han Min, “Min Min, try not to interact with him too much, or he might lead you astray…”
Grandpa Han interrupted. “Enough. He’s a Han; I’ll take care of him.”
Eunuch Yang nodded seriously. “Anyway, my Min Min won’t be led astray.”
Grandpa Han said to Han Min, “You don’t need to worry about this. Do what you should, and don’t bring him along. I’ll handle the rest.”
“All right.”
Old Scholar Liu said, “Since you’re home today, the cat you left in my care in Tongzhou has been brought here for you.”
He looked around. “It was running around in the courtyard just now. Where is it?”
The courtyard wasn’t large. Looking around, they saw Han Pei holding a fat white long-haired cat, sitting on the steps.
“Here it is.”
Han Min looked at its back and thought it had grown quite a bit.
This was his little cat?
He secretly summoned the system. “System, look—is that our little white cat?”
At this point, the elders called Han Pei over.
Han Pei carried the long-haired white cat forward. “Second Brother, look—a long-haired little white pig.”
Its fur was glossy and sleek, the body plump, visibly larger than before.
The system screamed in disbelief, “My cat turned into this?”
Han Min was a little puzzled too. “Teacher, how did it…”
Old Scholar Liu said, “Your cat was too thin and small when it arrived. So Physician Liang gave it some remedies to nourish it. Now it looks quite good.”
He picked up the cat, placed it on his lap, and stroked its fur. “So comfortable to hold like this.”
“Teacher, don’t you think it’s a bit heavy?”
“It’s fine.”
Old Scholar Liu put the cat on his lap. Han Min met the white cat’s innocent gaze and couldn’t help but feel his eyes grow wet.
“Thank you, Teacher. You’re so kind.”
Then Physician Liang looked at him seriously. “You’re far too thin yourself. You should nourish yourself more.”
A warning to replenish!
Han Min felt uneasy and, after a few words, slipped back into his room.
—
That night, after dinner, Grandpa Han called Han Li into his room and spoke with him at length.
Since Grandpa told him not to intervene, Han Min didn’t concern himself with the matter and stayed in his room reading documents.
The system was attached to the cat, running circles in the room to exercise and lose weight.
It ran while complaining, “I should have been raised by Fu Xun instead.”
Han Min said, “Fu Xun doesn’t have time. Actually, it’s partly my fault for not explaining. Keep running for a few days, and I’ll get you a large wheel for hamsters. A few days on it should get you back to your previous size.”
The system snorted and continued running.
Han Min looked through documents on past reforms, then took out a stack of manuscript paper and began writing a new story.
This was already the third-to-last manuscript.
The system jumped off the bookshelf behind him, glanced over, and asked, “Are you really going to stop writing after this?”
“Mm, writing too much is pointless. Ten volumes are enough. Besides, the realm is not yet settled, the empire is not at peace. I serve in the court, and in the future, when I push forward reforms, I won’t have so much time to write this.”
“True enough.”
After a pause, the system spoke cautiously: “Actually, after reading so many historical records, you should know that reforms, as inspiring as they sound, don’t always succeed.”
“I know. But opportunities like this are rare.”
The system stopped and turned to him. “Opportunities? What opportunities?”
“Timing, geography, and the will of the people. It’s the peak of Great Qi’s prosperity. Fu Xun has just ascended the throne, bringing a new era, and he trusts me—a trust I could never have hoped for under the late emperor. This is a rare opportunity.”
“I see.”
“I’ve been here for over ten years. I’ve always wanted to leave something behind for posterity, something of my own.”
The system paused thoughtfully, stretching in place.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“Little Brother Min, it’s me. I’ll just say a few words and leave.”
It was Han Li.
Han Min hurriedly put away his manuscripts and went to open the door.
Han Li hung his head, looking dejected.
“Earlier, Uncle Bo spoke to me and scolded me. Now I understand. Standing outside your room, thinking it over, I realized I had to come apologize. I’m sorry—I didn’t handle some things well.”
Han Min smiled. “It’s fine. Just focus on your exams. You’ve already passed the provincial exams; how many people never get past the county level? You’ve done very well, cousin.”
“From now on, I’ll stay in my room studying. Don’t be angry; don’t worry about me anymore.”
Han Min comforted him a few more times, then sent him back to his room.
Han Li lit a lamp and read for a while. He reflected and realized he had been a bit impatient.
Coming from a small town like Tongzhou, he had never encountered so many influential people. He didn’t know whose favor to seek and got overwhelmed.
Now that Han Min had shown him a bit of calculation, he knew to be more cautious in the future.
—
About ten days later, it was June.
Wen Yan could finally have the splint removed from his leg. When he could walk, several literary officials were summoned by Fu Xun to the palace for a private meeting.
In the study of Funing Palace, Han Min, having just woken from a nap, tied up his hair and splashed cold water on his face to wake up.
He sat beside Fu Xun with paper and brush, grinding ink.
The others hadn’t arrived yet. Fu Xun played with Han Min’s hair absentmindedly, running his fingers from the roots to the tips, finishing with two circles around the ends with his fingertips.
Han Min tilted his head in annoyance, unwilling to engage.
Fu Xun used the ends of Han Min’s hair to tickle his cheek. “Why so serious?”
Han Min replied earnestly, “This could be a milestone in our era, a turning point for the dynasty. It may not be immediately recognized by the world, but it should be recorded for posterity.”
Fu Xun chuckled lightly. “Is that so? The banners of Great Qi will spread across the land; that alone will inspire them.”
“All dynasties are eventually doomed to fall…”
Realizing he might have said too much, Han Min fell silent.
Just then, Chu Yu and Wen Yan arrived. The eunuchs led them in, head bowed, humble and obedient.
Chu Yu smiled. “Han, the imperial chronicler, is truly favored. You can say such things aloud, and His Majesty shows no reaction. I envy you greatly.”
A few days ago, seeing something amiss with Xie Yan, he asked him several times. Xie Yan then told him about Han Min discovering they were writing the story scripts.
He winked at Han Min—this could be added to the luxurious “Emperor and the Chronicler” anecdotes.
Wen Yan tugged at his sleeve, and they both stood, saluted, and then took their seats at the lower end.
Soon, Jiang Huan and Liu Ting arrived as well.
Han Min was a little surprised to see Senior Brother Liu. His teacher had clearly forbidden the Liu family descendants from participating in court affairs. He wondered if his teacher knew Senior Brother had come.
Fu Xun glanced at him and explained, “Old Scholar Liu knows; this is Liu Ting’s own initiative.”
With everyone present, the discussion began.
Since it was a private gathering, palace attendants brought food and tea but left without imposing strict protocol.
Starting with the highest-ranking official present, Chancellor Jiang Huan outlined the key points of the reform, covering almost every aspect of the court and bureaucracy.
The late emperor was mediocre, and Prince Gong was sinister. Policies from the previous Emperor Dezong had been mismanaged. Now, reorganizing them would take considerable effort.
Then Liu Ting, teaching at the academy, spoke:
“This is the result of discussions with my grandfather. When Emperor Dezong established the Yong’an Academy, it was intended as a model for provincial academies. Over decades, only three provincial academies were established, while Yong’an Academy retained a prestigious but hollow reputation, becoming the foremost academy, above the provinces.
“In the past three years, the academy has gradually become a private study for noble children. The position of scholar-official has become comfortably idle. This was never the emperor’s intention. I propose accelerating the establishment of provincial academies, restoring the practice of admitting talented but poor students, and eliminating redundant positions in the academy.”
Liu Ting bowed. “I respectfully submit this for Your Majesty’s consideration.”
Fu Xun nodded. “Do you have anything else to say?”
After some thought, Liu Ting continued: “One more matter. My younger sister—please allow me to respectfully petition, Your Majesty, to hold the imperial examination for women.”
Fu Xun pondered. “This matter should not be rushed—”
Previously, at Jianguo Temple, Liu Yu had mentioned the female exam to Han Min. Han Min had said much to her, and she had taken it to heart.
Han Min could tell from Fu Xun’s hesitation that such ideas were still difficult for true traditionalists to accept.
Fu Xun thought for a long time, then finally tapped the desk. “After you return, have her submit a formal memorial. I will review it.”
Han Min’s admiration for Fu Xun rose several degrees—This emperor is simply brilliant, the ultimate dream of every scholar!
Seeing the shine in Han Min’s eyes, Fu Xun, mindful of the others present, only took his hand beneath the edge of the desk.
Liu Ting exhaled in relief. “My younger sister waits just outside the palace gate. She has prepared her statements. If Your Majesty does not mind her youth, please summon her.”
“Bring her in. But this matter won’t be settled so quickly—do not let her think it’s already a done deal.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
Soon, Liu Yu was led in by her brother Liu Ting.
She wore a woman’s gown, her hair coiled with golden pins. Standing among a group of men, she showed no sign of fear. She smiled and winked at Han Min—See? I keep my promises.
—
A seat was added for Liu Yu.
Since this was a private conversation between ruler and ministers, there were no strict formalities—they spoke as thoughts arose.
Everyone present was under thirty, so their discussion was cautious yet bold.
Han Min recorded everything, brush in hand, sketching the future of Great Qi before the tidal waves of the dynasty.
Before he knew it, evening had come, and many matters had yet to be addressed.
Fu Xun waved his hand and called a halt to Chu Yu, who was about to speak. “We will discuss this another day. Tonight there is a banquet for the Song emissaries; I must handle something first.”
Chu Yu sighed. “I was hoping to propose reorganizing the publishing house—they print a mess of story scripts all day.”
Han Min cleared his throat and shot him a glance.
Chu Yu smiled back; only then did Han Min realize it was a joke.
Fu Xun, unaware Han Min was the intended target of the joke, dismissed the matter lightly. “That’s fine. Story scripts are not so widespread; no need for regulation.”
He continued, “One matter: behind the screen over there, there is someone.”
Everyone followed his gaze. Behind a wooden screen, completely concealed, no one would have known anyone was there if Fu Xun hadn’t said so.
Fu Xun said calmly, “Mr. Xie was originally unwilling to serve in office. I invited him twice. Today, I finally asked him to come for one last visit, and to decide for himself.”
Born a servant, rising to two dynasties’ officialdom.
After struggling and wavering for so long, Xie Yan finally stepped out from behind the screen in plain clothing. He flipped his sleeve and bowed to Fu Xun.
“Your Majesty.”
Fu Xun raised a hand. “Please, sit.”
Even someone as stoic as Xie Yan could be summoned with ease. Han Min’s admiration for Fu Xun deepened.—The ultimate enlightened ruler every scholar dreams of!
Fu Xun asked, “Did you understand what was discussed just now?”
Xie Yan nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Throughout history, reforms were often matters of the court acting alone. For now, I will not appoint you. I ask that you travel in the countryside and observe—do you agree?”
Xie Yan straightened and bowed. “I am willing, Your Majesty.”
With this matter concluded, evening approached.
There was a palace banquet for the Song emissaries, and all ministers were to attend.
Jiang Huan, Chu Yu, and Wen Yan went to a side hall to rest briefly, while Liu Ting, his sister Liu Yu, and Xie Yan left the palace together.
In the study, Han Min lowered his head to organize manuscripts, happily swaying slightly from side to side.
It turned out the banners Fu Xun had mentioned, meant to spread across all of Qi, were not empty words.
Fu Xun touched his hair. “Why are you swaying?”
Han Min continued. “I’m happy.”
“Chu Yu and you didn’t speak on matters just now. We’ll revisit it in a few days.”
“Very well.”
“Another matter to tell you.”
Han Min looked up. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
Fu Xun’s status with him had risen considerably.
“A few days ago, you said of the Song emissaries: either win them over, or defeat them one by one. I had my agents in the Song palace draft a secret letter.”
“And what does it say?”
Fu Xun handed him a sheet of paper.
Han Min studied it carefully.
This mission involved Duke of Guangning, Zhao Cun, and Princess Rongning, full siblings born to a favored but low-status concubine, unacknowledged by the Song emperor. After their mother passed, the siblings lived in the Cold Palace.
Duke of Guangning’s elevation to open a household was orchestrated by Princess Rongning to attract the emperor’s attention; otherwise, they would have remained in the Cold Palace. Clearly, Princess Rongning was the driving force between them.
When Fu Xun ascended the throne, as was customary, Song sent congratulations. Only then did the Song emperor recall the beautiful Princess Rongning.
Strangely, on the eve of the mission, the Song emperor secretly summoned the Duke of Guangning for an hour-long discussion.
Han Min returned the letter to Fu Xun. “Your agents in the Song palace recorded everything. Even the hour-long conversation between the emperor and his son is known.”
Fu Xun smiled lightly. “Just returning their methods upon them.”
Han Min observed, “This is indeed unusual. It’s reasonable to suspect the emperor secretly gave the Duke of Guangning a different order, perhaps ensuring Princess Rongning remains in Yong’an.”
“Yes. Rongning trusts her brother.”
“If so, perhaps we can win over the princess. She has never been loved by the Song emperor; her feelings toward him are likely indifferent. As for her brother, he now intends to disregard her. She is within our Qi territory. We can promise her much, perhaps even help her fake her death and escape.”
“And what do you intend to gain from her?”
“When the emperor summons the Duke of Guangning to Yong’an, he cannot fail to disclose the Song agents in the city. These agents are potential threats we can uncover. If she returns briefly, who knows what she might carry back or what else we could obtain.”
Fu Xun glanced out the window. “It’s getting late; the banquet is about to begin.”
“Oh.”
Han Min was about to get up when he suddenly sat back down: “I have another question to ask. How did His Majesty manage to invite Xie Yan here?”
Fu Xun remained unfazed: “I have always treated scholars with respect.”
Seeing Han Min frown, Fu Xun asked, “What’s wrong? Doesn’t it look like it?”
Han Min shook his head and looked at him earnestly: “It doesn’t feel the same to me. Your Majesty, can you let me also experience what it feels like to be a subject who is cherished and pampered?”
“No.”
Fu Xun refused outright.
Can it be the same for you? You have your own other enjoyment.
Author’s Note:
Min Min: I also really want to be the emperor’s most cherished subject!
Old Fu: Wife, what nonsense are you talking about?
