Book 7: Ode to the Son of Heaven
Chapter 26: The Ditch Between the Two Courts
Who He Zongwei was, the readers surely already knew in their hearts. The past grievances between him and Fan Xian, though now distant, were deeply engraved in Fan Xian’s mind—how could a man as vindictive as him forget such a name?
“Greetings, Grand Academician.”
“Greetings, Young Duke.”
He Zongwei bowed with neither humility nor arrogance, carrying himself with utmost steadiness. Grand Academician Hu chuckled and exchanged a few casual words, raising his arms slightly to signal that there was no need for such formality. Fan Xian, however, simply watched the young official calmly, countless scenes flashing through his mind.
At the beginning of the seventh year of the Qingli era, the military attempted to assassinate Fan Xian in a valley, giving His Majesty the Emperor an opportunity to refresh the court’s bloodline. That day, seven young officials entered the palace and were dubbed the “Seven Gentlemen” by the common people. Among them, Qin Heng had participated in the rebellion and was already dead. Yan Bingyun worked steadily at the Overwatch Council, waiting to succeed Fan Xian as the Commissioner. Meanwhile, He Zongwei was the most trusted by His Majesty among these new officials and had been promoted the fastest.
After the suppression of the rebellion in the capital, Fan Xian, the Eldest Prince, and Ye Zhong were naturally credited with the greatest contributions. However, these three were already among the most powerful nobles, leaving the Emperor with no higher titles or rewards to bestow upon them. In contrast, He Zongwei had earned His Majesty’s great favor for his role in the events, rising three ranks in succession and rocketing into the political center of the court. Such a rapid promotion was extraordinary; perhaps only Fan Xian, upon his initial arrival in the capital, could have surpassed him.
Not only did Fan Xian understand this, but He Zongwei himself and the entire court knew that his exceptional promotion and the Emperor’s trust were merely tools to balance the power Fan Xian had naturally accumulated. This was not because the Emperor distrusted Fan Xian, but because a powerful minister like him would inevitably cause issues if left unchecked.
Although He Zongwei had joined the Zhongshu Department, he still concurrently held the position of Left Censor-in-Chief in the Censorate, carrying out the Emperor’s will. The Censorate’s power had grown significantly, putting immense pressure on the Overwatch Council’s authority. Over the past two years, countless disputes had arisen between the two institutions, creating an extremely tense atmosphere and keeping the Legal Department, led by Song Shiren and Chen Bochang, exceptionally busy.
The Legal Department was a new office Fan Xian had established on a whim within the Overwatch Council, specifically to deal with the eloquent censors of the Censorate.
Thus, it was clear that Fan Xian naturally disliked He Zongwei. This man had overthrown his father-in-law, opposed him at every turn, and, most importantly, beneath his stern and righteous exterior hid a heart of opportunism that Fan Xian detested.
The epithet “Three-Surnamed Slave” had originated from Fan Xian’s study, and the Censorate’s gate had been kicked down by Fan Xian himself. Everyone knew that Young Master Fan held He Zongwei in the utmost contempt.
Yet, whenever they met at court or in official settings, He Zongwei always maintained absolute respect toward Fan Xian, as if completely unaware of the animosity, as if they were still the two men who had first met at the One-Stone Inn.
As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face. As long as He Zongwei did not cross his bottom line, Fan Xian saw no need to humiliate or belittle him. However, it was precisely this smiling demeanor that made Fan Xian inwardly wary. A man who could flip his hand to create clouds and turn it over to make rain would never openly suffer losses, but who knew what he might do in the shadows?
He Zongwei seemed to sense Fan Xian’s reluctance to speak with him. He smiled wryly, bowed to the two men once more, said a few soft words, and then followed the red lantern back into the darkness beneath the palace walls.
Fan Xian squinted, watching the lantern until He Zongwei’s face was no longer visible, then let out a soft sigh. Grand Academician Hu looked at him gently and said, “Minister He enjoys His Majesty’s steadfast favor, but he is not a man without discretion. The disputes between the two courts are merely matters of official duty.”
Hearing Grand Academician Hu speak up for He Zongwei, Fan Xian curled his lips and teased, “If you were to marry your precious daughter to him, would you be willing?”
Grand Academician Hu coughed repeatedly, pointing at Fan Xian with a mix of amusement and exasperation, unable to speak. Recently, a trend of late marriages had emerged in the capital, and despite the palace’s displeasure, it remained unchanged. For instance, the Prince of Jing’s heir and He Zongwei were both in their thirties yet remained unmarried and uninterested in starting families.
“Speaking of my daughter…” Grand Academician Hu suddenly smiled and said, “Anzhi, I heard you’ve taken Wang Dadu’s daughter as your student. In that case, would you mind taking mine as well?”
Fan Xian was taken aback, then recalled that after his dispute with the Emperor in the imperial study, it had become a reality that he had accepted Wang Tong’er as his female student. At the time, he had been quite pleased with himself, using retreat as a form of advance to secure full authority from the Emperor to handle the matter of the Eldest Prince taking a concubine. Now, hearing Grand Academician Hu’s words, he realized he had stirred up yet another problem.
He waved his hands repeatedly and said, “What nonsense is this? The Grand Academician is a man of profound learning, and your daughter is exceptionally bright. Why would she need a good-for-nothing like me to teach her?”
Seeing his firm refusal, Grand Academician Hu smiled, thinking to himself, If you are a good-for-nothing, then who in this world isn’t? He couldn’t help feeling somewhat disappointed.
Every civil and military official in the court knew that Young Master Fan was a peerless teacher. He had transformed the once-unruly Third Prince into a refined gentleman and turned the wild young lady of the Ye family, who once galloped through the capital, into a gentle and virtuous princess. Fan Xian was renowned as a poetic genius in literature and a ninth-level master in martial arts. Even Grand Academician Hu was eager to send his daughter to Fan Xian’s household—not as a concubine, but as a student.
Fan Xian steered the conversation back to his earlier remark and joked, “The Grand Academician refuses to marry his daughter to He Zongwei because he knows the man is unprincipled. Since he is such a petty person, why should I engage in hypocritical courtesy with him?”
Grand Academician Hu sighed helplessly, thinking that in the current court, only Fan Xian would criticize He Zongwei so harshly. Yet, he still could not understand why Fan Xian held He Zongwei in such contempt. After all, the events of the past had largely been orchestrated by the Emperor.
The matter was ultimately inexplicable. Fan Xian’s wariness and disgust toward He Zongwei stemmed from many sources. As it was still early and there was nothing else to do, Fan Xian engaged in casual conversation with Grand Academician Hu.
Since Shu Gu had retired, Fan Xian had been surprised to discover that Grand Academician Hu, much like old Shu, was an exceedingly interesting man, entirely devoid of pedantry. Moreover, during the capital rebellion, Fan Xian had owed Shu and Hu an immense debt of gratitude. As the two—one old, one young—interacted in official matters, their relationship grew increasingly harmonious and intimate.
Fan Xian and Grand Academician Hu stood together, discussing the latter’s “New Culture Movement” from years past. Though the movement had ultimately faded away, it remained Grand Academician Hu’s proudest achievement, even more so than his leadership of the Zhongshu Department. Fan Xian, as a disciple deeply influenced by the May Fourth spirit, spoke with great enthusiasm, their laughter piercing the silence beneath the palace walls.
In the darkness under the palace gates, countless red lanterns looked up toward them. Many wished to join the conversation between the leading academician of the Zhongshu Department and the Young Duke, but they knew they lacked the standing. As for laughing freely while awaiting the court session—only these two had the audacity to do so.
After a long while, Fan Xian straightened up and suddenly sensed an odd atmosphere around him. He frowned slightly and let out a sigh.
Grand Tutor Hu glanced at him, understanding that he had grasped something, and smiled faintly.
Fan Xian had never known that after quelling the rebellion, the Emperor had once, for a fleeting moment, considered the possibility of letting him inherit the throne. Although the Emperor had later resolutely erased this thought from his mind.
But Fan Xian was well aware of the Emperor's initial plans for the future governance of Qing. Using He Zongwei's Censorate to balance the power of the Oversight Bureau, with Grand Tutor Hu leading the Secretariat-Chancellery above them to stabilize the court.
Such an arrangement could ensure twenty years of peace in Qing's governance.
However, Fan Xian now held too much power and was on extremely good terms with Grand Tutor Hu, making it difficult to implement the Emperor's original plan. Thus, He Zongwei was promoted to the Secretariat-Chancellery.
"The Emperor's intention is clear," Grand Tutor Hu said gently. "He does not wish for his ministers to be at odds with each other. Earlier, Minister He came to pay his respects, intending to ease tensions. Anzhi, you are a clever man and should know how to proceed."
Fan Xian fell silent, his handsome face illuminated by the lanterns, appearing exceptionally calm. A year and a half ago, he had kicked open the doors of the Censorate and berated He Zongwei and a dozen other censors to the point of lifelessness. The world only saw Young Master Fan's arrogance, unaware that he himself had later been scolded by the Emperor in the royal study until his face turned pale.
This incident demonstrated the Emperor's protection of the Censorate and the price he was willing to pay to maintain this balance. From that day on, Fan Xian understood what he needed to do and had acted accordingly. As long as He Zongwei did not overstep, he would not resort to ruthless measures. Apart from establishing the Law Enforcement Office to make things difficult for the Censorate, he had not employed any truly severe tactics.
However, all of this was contingent on Fan Xian's tolerance. If He Zongwei did something he could not endure, given his blood ties to the Emperor and his current influence, even if he were to kill someone like He Zongwei, what could be done? Would the Emperor sacrifice his own illegitimate son for a minister?
Grand Tutor Hu gazed into the darkness beneath the palace gate and sighed softly, feeling somewhat concerned for He Zongwei. He then recalled the Emperor's suggestion from late the night before and frowned. By conventional reasoning, although He Zongwei was not entirely virtuous, past matters were all the Emperor's doing. Upon reflection, Minister He was not a bad person—if Young Master Fan was willing, the Emperor's proposal could truly resolve the conflict between the two bureaus.
Everything depended on whether Fan Xian was willing. Grand Tutor Hu turned and gave Fan Xian a deep look.
Fan Xian, however, was pondering whether Grand Tutor Hu's words were a message from the Emperor or the stance of the Secretariat-Chancellery. He then frowned, thinking about how He Zongwei, though usually respectful toward him, had never been as docile and mild-tempered as he was today.
All of this ultimately stemmed from Fan Xian's excessive power. An illegitimate son of the royal family, in control of the Oversight Bureau and indispensable to the internal treasury—such influence was overwhelming. Reflecting on the Emperor's thoughts, Fan Xian couldn't help but feel irritated. Was his good character and family background somehow a crime?
※※※
After the grand court session concluded, followed by a routine smaller meeting, and finally an even more private family meeting between the Emperor, the Eldest Prince, the Third Prince, and Fan Xian, Fan Xian exited the towering imperial city. With a warm smile, he apologized to the Hu family steward waiting for him, explaining that an urgent matter had arisen at home and the drinking plans would have to be postponed.
Upon boarding the carriage back to his residence, Teng Zijing noticed that the young master seemed to be in exceptionally good spirits today. His eyes were narrowed in a constant smile, and the corners of his lips were curved like crescent moons. Remembering what his wife had been urging him about lately, he cautiously asked, "Young Master..."
Fan Xian turned to look at him and listened as his most loyal servant spoke softly. After a while, he understood: Teng's wife had noticed that some households under the Fan family's influence had secured minor official posts and was now feeling envious.
Nowadays, the Fan residence's miscellaneous affairs were largely handled by Teng Zijing and his wife. This thought had long been anticipated by Fan Xian. He smiled at Teng Zijing and said, "Today is the ninth year of Qingli. Since it's already five years late, there's no point in you going out now."
Teng Zijing didn't quite grasp the young master's profound words and simply smiled awkwardly before falling silent.
Upon returning to the residence, Fan Xian lifted the hem of his robe and strode in with an air of confidence, his face still wearing a warm and amiable smile. All the servants and maids were delighted to see this. Fan Xian was skilled at winning people's hearts, and everyone in the residence took pride in him. Seeing the young master in high spirits naturally lifted their moods as well.
The third steward followed Teng Zijing as they accompanied Fan Xian into the garden and asked softly, "The young lady from the Wang family is here. I heard she's formally requesting to become your disciple. Given the young master's mood, it seems he'll agree. What should we prepare?"
Teng Zijing didn't turn his head, smiling mysteriously like Fan Xian, and said, "The young lady from the Wang family... is in for a rough time today."
"Why?" the third steward asked in surprise.
Teng Zijing replied with a stern face, "The young master is in a terrible mood today... worse than ever before."
...
...
As expected of the clever man who had recognized Fan Xian's brilliant future back in Danzhou and his most trusted confidant, events unfolded exactly as Teng Zijing had predicted. Shortly after Fan Xian entered the study with a smile, the wilful young lady of the Wang family ran out of the study, sobbing and wailing.
Wang Tong'er cried bitterly while cursing, looking utterly miserable. It was unclear what unspeakable thing Fan Xian had done to her, but the young lady seemed to find the study an unbearable place. She fled with her face covered, tears flying through the air.
It was as if her tears were composing a poem along the way—a free-verse style, at that.
Behind her, General Shi Fei, the commander of the capital garrison who had特意 made time to visit today, also walked out of the study in indignation and headed out of the residence, muttering under his breath. It seemed he had not expected Fan Xian to disregard his face so completely.
Teng Zijing looked at the stunned Third Steward and said, "Don't ask me. I don't know what exactly happened in the palace either."
When the women of the Fan Manor received the news, they hurried toward the study. Along the way, they learned that in the study, Fan Xian had harshly lectured that Miss Wang Tong'er and even threatened to use a whip in the end.
Everyone was shocked, thinking that this had deeply offended the Yanjing faction of the military. Especially someone as important as the Commander of the Capital Garrison, who had come in person regarding Wang Tong'er's entry into the Prince's Manor, had given Fan Xian plenty of face. No one expected Fan Xian to show absolutely no regard for the other party's dignity.
A strange smile played on Fan Xian's lips as he looked at Wan'er, Sisi, and the young Lady Rongjia in the study. "Nothing's wrong," he said. "This was agreed upon beforehand. To enter my household, she must receive two lashes to atone for her past offenses."
Lin Wan'er drew a sharp breath, thinking to herself, Has my husband lost his mind today? The so-called 'returning the whipping' was obviously just a joke. How could it become real?
Fan Xian's smile faded, and he said softly, "It's no joke. Matters of propriety and ethics must always be respected."
"But you couldn't hit her in front of General Shi," Lin Wan'er said, giving him a helpless look. She had already shrewdly guessed that something must have happened in the palace, causing Fan Xian to vent his anger on Wang Tong'er.
And in this world, there was only one person who could make Fan Xian suffer such anger and yet prevent him from venting it outside the manor.
"These words were all told to me by your dear uncle."
Lin Wan'er was annoyed. "That's your biological father!"
The couple was, of course, referring to the Emperor. The problem was, although everyone knew Fan Xian was the Emperor's illegitimate son, no one dared to speak this truth aloud. While the couple might say it freely in bed, there were other people present in the study now.
Especially Lady Rongjia, who looked utterly embarrassed and didn't know how to respond.
Lin Wan'er sighed, realizing her slip of the tongue. She stepped forward and asked softly, "What exactly did His Majesty say to make you so angry?"
Fan Xian sat down, feeling a headache coming on. He shook his head with a bitter smile. "His Majesty wants to arrange a marriage for Ruoruo."
Rongjia's eyes lit up, and she said happily, "That's good news, isn't it?"
Fan Xian glanced at her. "You think it's for your brother this time?" His face darkened. "His Majesty privately asked for my opinion today. It seems he wants to betroth Ruoruo to He Zongwei."
As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell into shock, silence, and tension.
...
Lin Wan'er's heart raced, fearing what Fan Xian might do in his rage. Frowning slightly, she spoke first, "How can this be allowed?"
This wasn't just said to placate Fan Xian. Influenced by him, everyone in the Fan Manor looked down on He Zongwei, especially Lin Wan'er. Partly because she remembered her father's downfall in Wuzhou, and partly because she had learned from Fan Xian that He Zongwei had once shown interest in Ruoruo.
In truth, back then, He Zongwei was a renowned talent in the capital. It wasn't wrong for a young man to admire a beautiful girl like Ruoruo. But Fan Xian simply found it utterly detestable. After the Imperial Study meeting today, when the Emperor mentioned the marriage arrangement, Fan Xian flew into a rage on the spot and had a huge argument with the Emperor. In the end, he was suppressed by the Emperor using the principles of ruler and subject, and father and son.
"That He Zongwei... his character isn't great," Rongjia said, of course hoping that Fan Ruoruo could become her sister-in-law. From any perspective, she had to stand up for her brother, Hong Cheng.
Hearing Rongjia's soft-spoken, blushing criticism, Fan Xian couldn't help but chuckle, and his mood improved considerably.
"His Majesty wouldn't think Minister He has poor character," Fan Xian said, his expression calm again. "In His Majesty's eyes, He Zongwei is a talented man, now holding a high position and noble title, and is utterly loyal to him. Of course, he is a worthy match for Ruoruo."
In fact, if one set aside biased views, many would consider Minister He and Fan Ruoruo a match made in heaven. As for character and official integrity, it was clear that He Zongwei was merely carrying out duties for His Majesty, making him a truly loyal subject.
There was just one thing Fan Xian still couldn't figure out. Back when he was in Qingzhou pondering the matter of the eldest Prince taking a secondary consort, he had thought that the Emperor, who currently trusted and favored him greatly and knew full well how he had once ruined Hong Cheng's reputation to prevent Ruoruo's marriage, wouldn't forcefully arrange a marriage to provoke him. But now, the Emperor actually intended to betroth Ruoruo to He Zongwei. What was he thinking?
"Since His Majesty asked you privately, he knew you would definitely oppose it. It was just a test," Lin Wan'er said, quickly calming down and analyzing the situation. "You shouldn't have resisted His Majesty so strongly. You know His Majesty's temperament—the more fiercely you oppose, the more determined he becomes to do it."
"I was just furious that His Majesty could be so foolish as to think that forcibly arranging this marriage would bring nothing but harmony to the court?" Fan Xian emerged from his contemplation, a glimmer of light flashing in his mind as if he had vaguely grasped something.
His eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint appearing within them. His voice was pressed into a frigid line: "I don't care about He Zongwei. If he dares to come proposing marriage, I'll cut him down with a single stroke of my blade."