In the Temple.
After leaving Master Wenruo's meditation room.
Several people rested at a pavilion. Da Hei was getting on in years and couldn't quite keep up with the younger dogs physically, so he was lying on the steps panting. Qu Dubian fed him some water and dried meat.
Xu Jin and Wu Siwan sat together, speaking in low voices.
The two elders were still somewhat preoccupied with the half-finished words Master Wenruo had spoken earlier.
Xu Jin said quietly, "If the fortune is good, we'll accept it. If it's bad, we'll disregard it and go to another temple to see."
Wu Siwan thought for a moment and said, "A few days ago, when I came here to reserve the prayer plaques, Master Wenruo said something to me."
Xu Jin: "What was it?"
Wu Siwan said softly: "He said I would enjoy peace and comfort, and my life would end naturally when my time comes."
"That is an excellent fortune. If Little Darling were to die young and have a bitter fate, I certainly would not live out my natural lifespan. So, Little Darling must have a good fate too."
Xu Jin held her hand: "Don't talk nonsense. Both of you must be well. If anything happens to either one, I couldn't bear it."
He only had these few loved ones left now.
After a while, he stroked his chin. "If we reason this way, I could also ask that master to tell my fortune. Couldn't we infer Little Darling's future from mine?"
Wu Siwan: "You are a man long-steeped in the battlefield, your aura of slaughter is too heavy. The master won't tell your fortune."
Xu Jin's idea was nipped in the bud before he could even act on it.
The little boy on the steps called out: "Grandfather, Grandmother, are you rested?"
They weren't tired to begin with. Hearing this, they stood up and said, "Yes, we're ready. Is Da Hei rested?"
Da Hei, having eaten and drunk his fill, shook his fur, clearly ready for action once more.
Leaving the temple, the surroundings gradually grew lively again. Qu Dubian sat on Xu Jin's shoulders as they slowly made their way home.
-
This Morning.
After being driven out of the Sword-Holding Marquis's residence, Xu Jianyan was seething with resentment.
First, he had a quarrel with his old aunt, parting on bad terms.
Then, he grew resentful towards the Seventh Prince. After all, they were relatives, and he was the elder. How could the prince speak to him like that?
The position of Chief Minister of the Court of Imperial Entertainments wasn't terribly important, but it was still an official post. Surely it could offer more support than the third branch of the family, who were mere merchants.
He comforted himself.
The Seventh Prince was just too young and didn't understand the benefits of having relatives. When he grew older, he would know to befriend them.
Xu Jianyan's youngest son, Xu Ziyun, said, "Father, the Seventh Prince wouldn't really say that to His Majesty, would he?"
Xu Jianyan: "No, otherwise if His Majesty truly took it seriously, the entire Xu family wouldn't escape unscathed." Daring to suggest there was a problem with the imperial bloodline could carelessly lead to the extermination of nine generations.
As he spoke, he began to worry again. "Back then, Xu Jin treated Xu Tingfeng like his own son. After his legs were crippled, the third branch and Xu Jin cut ties. That's when I thought there was a chance for one of you to be adopted into his line. But why wouldn't he agree? Your legs are perfectly fine, after all."
Back when his niece Xu Yueqing returned to the capital from the borderlands, she was unfamiliar with everything here. It was he and his wife who took her around to see the sights.
He knew his elder brother Xu Jin wanted to find a respectable scholarly family in the capital for Yueqing to marry into, or to take in an adopted son-in-law.
But who could have predicted she would later, through a strange twist of fate, encounter the Emperor traveling incognito? He pondered it carefully—what marriage could compare to marrying into the imperial family?
The Emperor also had feelings for his niece Yueqing, so he simply facilitated the match.
Later, when the Emperor's identity was revealed, his niece Yueqing initially resisted, but didn't she agree in the end? From then on, she wanted for nothing, enjoying wealth and honor, and her relatives also benefited.
The entire Xu family should be thanking him. With his elder brother's line lacking a male heir, he could generously offer to have one of his own children adopted over.
A perfect solution for both sides!
He never expected Xu Jin to storm into his house, beat him half to death, and later completely sever ties.
He even treated the Emperor with a sour face.
Xu Jianyan thought Xu Jin's mind was simply addled.
-
"You must remember the person who came yesterday morning. Xu Jianyan's mind is simply addled," Xu Jin said. "Although he is somewhat related to Little Darling, you must make sure Little Darling stays away from him in the future."
He was giving Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun a briefing.
Setting aside his hatred for Xu Jianyan conspiring with the Emperor to make his daughter fall for the Emperor, just the sheer stupidity was enough.
Under the Emperor's obvious suspicion and wariness, he still persisted year after year in trying to push children into the Marquis's household. He really had a death wish.
If he weren't so foolish and easily controlled, that Emperor brat would never have kept Xu Jianyan around.
Xu Jin knew that his little grandson wouldn't stay with him for long, and he himself wouldn't remain in the capital much longer either.
He had observed carefully; Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun were quite loyal and meticulous in their work.
Tingfeng, using his business dealings, might have a few covert agents in the court, but he couldn't meddle in palace affairs.
Wen Xiaochun had a foundation in martial arts. Once he entered the Inspection and Transport Office and was settled, he could secretly establish a line with Tingfeng. If anything happened when Little Darling grew up, they could use this channel.
However, he didn't tell Wen Xiaochun about Xu Tingfeng. Little Darling was still young, and Tingfeng needed to remain in the shadows for now.
As for Ye Xiaoyuan, who would stay by Little Darling's side, he must have a thorough understanding of the intricate relationships in the imperial court and the rear palace. He and his wife took turns explaining.
Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun absorbed the knowledge taught to them like sponges.
Xu Jin: "If you want to climb higher, you mustn't openly maintain frequent contact with Little Darling. They know you're from the Seventh Prince's side now. Use this opportunity to establish yourself. In a few years, when they've forgotten, that will be the fastest time to rise."
Wen Xiaochun nodded: "I understand."
Ye Xiaoyuan held a small notebook, jotting down notes occasionally.
Qu Dubian was unaware that his grandfather, with great foresight, had secretly begun laying the groundwork for his future support network and had even mapped out career paths for Xiaoyuan and Xiaochun.
He followed his grandmother to the Xie residence.
Although Emperor Chongzhao's decision to designate Consort Xuan as the Seventh Prince's adoptive mother hadn't been officially decreed yet, the edict would likely be issued after the New Year at the latest.
Their two families would inevitably have interactions.
The Xie residence had prepared tea in advance. Grand Tutor Xie and Xie Jingshan personally waited at the entrance to welcome them.
When they arrived, they were ushered into the main hall. The courtesy was thorough and respectful, yet not distant. Their bearing and conversation clearly reflected a family of upright and proper conduct.
Xie Jingshan's wife, Madame Feng, had two daughters and a son, around seven or eight years old. They were also brought out to pay their respects to Wu Siwan.
Qu Dubian couldn't help but take an extra look. The two young girls resembled Consort Xuan somewhat, especially the elder sister, whose features bore a strong likeness.
Consort Xuan was their maternal aunt.
Since he had recognized Consort Xuan as his adoptive mother, these three children were now his cousins.
The adults were chatting. Qu Dubian, while listening with one ear, squatted outside talking to the Xie children.
The Xie family had a clan school. The two young girls seemed quite scholarly and refined. Upon asking, he learned that when they reached the appropriate age, they would also study and practice calligraphy alongside the older brothers and sisters in the clan.
Qu Dubian thought of Zhiyi. Sister Zhiyi was now over five years old but hadn't begun formal studies yet, only learning some etiquette rules.
He asked, "Sisters, are you happy with your studies?"
The eldest, Yuan Jie'er, thought for a moment and said, "Of course we are. We know that not every family's daughters get to study. While we cannot sit for the imperial examinations, we can still learn many principles."
She smiled somewhat shyly. "Father says that if one reads too deeply and gets stuck in a narrow perspective, it only leads to suffering. One should be wise when wisdom is needed, and know when to appear less so."
After listening, Qu Dubian had only one thought: how come his cheap father's awareness wasn't even as high as his own official's?
After staying at the Xie residence for about half an hour, the adults dispersed, and Qu Dubian also had to leave.
Before departing, he noticed Xie Jingshan had been watching him, so he took the initiative to ask, "Uncle Xie, is there something you need?"
Xie Jingshan said, "There is an item I would like the Seventh Highness to deliver to Consort Xuan on my behalf."
He presented a wooden box.
Qu Dubian accepted it securely. "Consider it done."
They bid each other polite farewells. It was their first meeting, and they both left with a very favorable impression of the other.
Upon returning to the Marquis's estate, Wu Siwan, after settling her little grandson, went straight to find Xu Jin.
She pulled a small note from her sleeve. "Grand Tutor Xie gave this to me during our visit. The matter of Noble Lady Chu using the addictive substance from the delusion leaf fruit to harm our grandson might have Consort Lan's involvement behind it."
"But there is no concrete evidence."
Xu Jin frowned. "Grand Tutor Xie is a prudent man. If he gave you this note, it means he has some degree of certainty."
"Consort Lan... Wife, do you know who in her maternal clan holds significant power at court?"
Wu Siwan replied, "The Minister of Justice and the Supervising Secretary of the Justice Ministry. One is in overall charge, the other oversees. Both are more or less connected to Consort Lan's family."
Xu Jin said, "I understand. Please convey my thanks to them on my behalf, wife."
-
Qu Dubian stayed at the Marquis's estate until the seventh day of the new year.
Waking up naturally every day without a single worry, his face visibly gained a healthy, radiant glow.
When practicing Tai Chi or holding horse stances, he would be watched by his grandparents. Er Sen and Uncle Wolf-Qing would also lean against the wall observing him. Their gazes were like those of modern-day parents watching their children perform in a school play—filled with novelty and delight.
Seeing his interest in martial arts, his grandfather even made him small wooden knives, swords, and a little bow and arrow.
In the mornings, when his grandfather practiced boxing or wielded his saber, Qu Dubian would follow along behind him, waving his little wooden knife, kicking his legs, and making spirited 'hei-ha' sounds.
His movements were quite proper, lacking in fierceness but overflowing with adorable charm.
It amused all the onlookers, making them laugh heartily.
The mental cultivation method from the first part of the Longevity Technique circulated within his body. As Qu Dubian practiced more and more, he became increasingly proficient at guiding that sliver of true qi to flow through his meridians.
Even though the true qi was only a tiny amount, with daily accumulation, breaking open the dantian and storing true qi internally was a goal within reach.
This period of complete relaxation passed in the blink of an eye for Qu Dubian.
On the evening of the seventh day.
Someone arrived from the imperial palace. Chief Eunuch Yu came in person to take him back.
As a prince, staying at his maternal relatives' home for seven or eight days during the New Year period was already quite rare. Emperor Chongzhao would not let him stay indefinitely.
Qu Dubian packed up a large amount of belongings, filling two whole carts.
There were toys and snacks he bought for his elder brothers and sisters in the palace, the toy knives, swords, and wooden bow his grandfather made for him, pastries his grandmother packed for him that weren't available in the palace, and a new dog leash.
"Once you're back in the palace, if you have time, you can still come out, come here to play," Wu Siwan said reluctantly. "Grandma will keep your room for you, clean it every day, and won't let anyone else in."
Qu Dubian said, "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll come out whenever I have time. When I turn sixteen and can establish my own residence outside the palace, I'll be able to visit you every day! I'll try to manage it a few years early."
At most, there were thirteen years left.
He held Wu Siwan's hand. "Grandpa and Grandma, you both have to wait for me, okay? Watch me grow up."
Wu Siwan's eyes reddened. "Yes, alright."
Xu Jin patted his head. "If anyone in the palace bullies you, just tell your father that you're going to write a letter of complaint to your grandfather. That way, His Majesty will surely stand up for you."
Chief Eunuch Yu raised his hand to cover his ears.
Was this something he was supposed to hear?
"Alright now, hurry up and get in the carriage!"
Xu Jin lifted him into the carriage, watching him go inside.
Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun bid their farewells one by one, and the carriage slowly began moving towards the imperial palace.
Qu Dubian lifted the carriage curtain, leaned out, and waved into the distance. "Goodbye, Grandpa! Goodbye, Grandma!"
Wu Siwan called out, "Little Darling, get back inside now, don't catch a chill."
Xu Jin stood beside her and sighed. "Getting old. I can't bear partings as well as I used to."
The figures of his grandparents gradually grew smaller and smaller, until they became two tiny black dots. After a turn in the road, they disappeared from sight completely. Only then did Qu Dubian let the curtain fall.
He raised a hand and pressed it over his heart. An unfamiliar feeling of aching soreness and melancholy lingered, refusing to dissipate.
A long time passed before Qu Dubian slowly let out a breath.
