Chapter 14: The Protective Second Uncle

A subtle scholarly fragrance permeated the elegant, classical study. Behind the writing desk, the current Imperial Censor’s usually refined and serene expression was uncommonly gloomy as he stared thoughtfully at a letter.

“Qingfeng, tell me what you think the Virtuous Dowager Consort means by this?” After a long pause, the Imperial Censor finally looked up and asked.

Not far from the desk, a handsome young man stood at attention, frowning in thought before responding, “Your son is dim-witted, but could it be to save face for Prince Ding’s residence, therefore…”

Imperial Censor Xu shook his head. “In your father’s view, the imperial family’s move is slapping Prince Ding’s residence in the face, then giving a sweet date after the slap. Such tactics might work on ordinary officials, but they’re useless against Prince Ding’s residence.”

Xu Qingfeng’s sword-like brows furrowed, his expression indignant. “However the imperial family treats Prince Ding’s residence, they shouldn’t sacrifice Cousin as a pawn.”

The Xu family had produced few daughters for generations. In the previous generation, there was only Ye Li’s mother. In Xu Qingfeng’s generation, both direct branches had only sons. Having grown up in the capital, Qingfeng was protective of his cousin Ye Li, whom he had often seen in childhood.

Imperial Censor Xu sighed. “In the eyes of the imperial family, who besides themselves isn’t expendable? Since your aunt’s death, Li’er rarely appears in capital society. Her reputation has been nearly ruined by that vicious woman in the Ye family. Naturally, Prince Li was unwilling to marry her.”

Xu Qingfeng snorted coldly. “Cousin was right not to marry Prince Li. Even before marriage, he took goods from her shop without paying. Is this how the imperial family behaves? If Cousin had married him, even the dowry left by our family and Aunt would have been squandered.”

Imperial Censor Xu stroked his beard and nodded. “Indeed, Prince Li is not a good match. Li’er has always been decisive. I think she never fancied him, or she wouldn’t have tolerated that mother-daughter pair from the Ye family.”

He recalled when his younger sister passed away. He had wanted to bring his ill niece back to the Xu family, but the Ye matriarch prevented it. Even while sick, Li’er had sent her nurse and maid back to Yunzhou, living alone in the hostile Ye residence. Though Madam Wang tried to harm her several times, she survived. Now it seemed his niece not only had his sister’s intelligence but also possessed strength and sharp perception his sister had lacked. He felt proud.

“But Prince Ding…” Xu Qingfeng hesitated. Prince Li was unsatisfactory, but at least whole. The Emperor’s decree insulted Prince Ding’s residence and wasted the Xu bloodline.

“Hmph! Compared to Prince Li, I trust Prince Ding’s upbringing more. He was raised by the old Prince Ding himself.”

Imperial Censor Xu lit the candle and burned the letter to ashes. “How is your investigation of Prince Ding’s residence? When your mother visits the Ye family, have her tell Li’er as well.”

Xu Qingfeng replied helplessly, “Everything else is easy to learn, except Prince Ding himself. He rarely associates with others. In recent years, those who have seen him could be counted on one hand. There’s only one rumor—that he brings death to his wives. Several fiancées allegedly died because of him. One supposedly died of fright on her wedding night.”

“Nonsense!” Imperial Censor Xu rebuked. As Imperial Censor, with students everywhere, he knew more than most. The timing of Prince Ding’s first fiancée’s death was suspiciously convenient. The second fiancée, chosen by the Empress Dowager, had been sickly—her death unsurprising. As for the one who allegedly died of fright, Xu found it implausible. He had glimpsed Prince Ding when he returned injured. Though scarred, his face was not terrifying enough to kill by fright.

“Enough. Go see your mother. I’ll visit Prince Ding personally later. Now I must write a memorial.”

“A memorial? Who is Father planning to impeach?” Xu Qingfeng asked curiously.

A cold smile appeared on Imperial Censor Xu’s lean face. “Minister Ye—for failing to educate his daughter, allowing his Fourth Daughter to consort improperly with Prince Li before the engagement was dissolved.”

The Great Chu Dynasty forbade punishment of censors. As long as an impeachment was not fabricated, the Emperor could not punish them. Everyone in the capital knew of Prince Li and Ye Ying. The Ye family had failed to manage it, so others pretended ignorance. Now, with a memorial submitted, idle censors and upright scholars would seize the chance. Though nominally directed at Minister Ye, the true targets were Ye Ying and Prince Li. Even Prince Li’s theft from his fiancée’s shop would surface.

“Won’t this create enemies for Li’er?” Xu Qingfeng frowned.

Imperial Censor Xu smiled faintly. “Does Prince Li’s behavior show guilt toward Li’er? At least our Xu family’s stance must be clear to Prince Li and His Majesty. Since we can’t discern the Virtuous Dowager Consort’s intentions, let’s give Prince Li’s residence something to worry about, lest they scheme against your cousin.”

He could not fathom why Prince Li would abandon his niece for Ye Ying. In status, Li’er was the eldest legitimate daughter; Ye Ying was born of a concubine. In talent and virtue, Ye Ying’s shallow charms would have been punished in the Xu ancestral hall. Even in dowry, the Ye family’s fortune could not match what the Xu family would give Li’er. The gap between upstarts and centuries-old nobility was vast.

Hearing his father’s words, Xu Qingfeng laughed. “Father thinks of everything. Your son takes his leave.”

Watching his son depart, Imperial Censor Xu sighed and picked up his brush. He had sons of his own. His eldest, Qingrui, had returned to Yunzhou with his grandfather to learn filial piety. His second, Qingfeng, had grown up at his side. Though both parents were scholars, Qingfeng showed talent in martial arts, with only average literary skill. Remembering Ye Li’s words last New Year, Xu smiled bitterly. Could the scholarly Xu family produce a general?

After long thought, he rose and pulled a book from the third shelf. The bold calligraphy read: Founding Emperor’s Military Canon.

“Someone come,” he called.

A servant entered respectfully. “Master.”

“Take this book to the Second Young Master. Tell him to finish it within the year and send me an essay of his thoughts every month.”

The servant obeyed.

Soon, Xu Qingfeng’s hearty laughter echoed from afar, caught by the servant. “Son thanks Father, son accepts the command!”

“Unruly boy, so improper,” Imperial Censor Xu muttered, though a relieved smile touched his face.

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