#100: The Forest Dweller (I)

◎Debate on Governance◎

In the evening, it was the busiest time along Bian River Street.

Vendors preparing for the night market and riverside shopkeepers had already hung their lanterns early. Patrol boats glided across the river, and wherever they passed, candles lit up one after another, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.

Since their marriage, Ye Liuchun rarely dined out with Bai Shating. They were too famous on Bian River Street and often had to deal with acquaintances, which was exhausting. Today, they finally managed to avoid familiar faces and booked a private room on the third floor of Fan Tower.

The room was named “Hua Mei Le” (Joy of Painting Eyebrows).

Ye Liuchun glanced up at the name, fanned herself with a round fan, and turned back with a wry smile. “Actually… you don’t need to try so hard to please me.”

Bai Shating pretended not to understand. “This humble scholar doesn’t know what Madam means—please, Madam.”

Ye Liuchun entered the room, pushed open the flower-patterned window, and sat by the window with a faint smile. “Sir Shisan has many beauties among these streets. Why not call one or two to join us tonight?”

Bai Shating hurried over, took her fan, and intended to explain but changed his words halfway. “I… plan to resign from my post.”

Ye Liuchun’s hand froze.

After a moment, she said, “For men, ascending to the position of Chancellor has always been the ultimate ideal. You’ve worked hard for years in Bian Capital through rigorous examinations to earn your official position. You are trusted by the emperor above and have friends like Zhou and Su below. Why go through this trouble?”

Before Bai Shating could answer, she continued, “Your bad reputation in the bureaucracy, aside from your past carefree poetry, is mostly due to marrying me…”

“Marrying you is the most important thing to me,” Bai Shating interrupted earnestly. “When I was young and reckless, I didn’t know how precious sincerity was… Enough of these sentimental words. I simply feel that I’m unfit for office—it has nothing to do with others.”

He sat beside Ye Liuchun. “I am free-spirited and enjoy socializing, but I can’t flatter or ingratiate myself. I also can’t love the people as selflessly as Zhou and Su do. My journey to Lingnan made me realize a lot. If a true man wants to serve his country, there are more paths than just holding office… You can follow me westward or southward, find a place to open an academy, live like wandering clouds and cranes. Wouldn’t that be more enjoyable? Besides, the current political situation is tense. The emperor’s decision to promote me caused many issues and even implicated Xiaobai. By resigning and traveling far, I can give them some breathing room.”

Ye Liuchun fell silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “It seems Physician Bai sought you out for drinks yesterday and shared some heartfelt words. Usually, you’re carefree. How could you think of these things for others?”

Bai Shating fanned her with the round fan. “I know you’ve always wanted to visit famous mountains and rivers, and I want you to be happy.”

Ye Liuchun, with a faint smile, turned her head to speak, but her expression stiffened. Following her gaze, Bai Shating looked toward the middle section of Bian River Bridge, where a large crowd of commoners had gathered without notice.

Someone stood on the high railing of the Twelve Bridges, holding a register in one hand and a short knife in the other. With every slight movement, the surrounding onlookers gasped.

“Oh, in this era of peace, don’t do anything rash…”

“What’s troubling you? Come down and tell us. We can offer advice.”

“…”

The man appeared to be a merchant dressed in coarse hemp clothes, looking haggard. He crouched on the bridge pillar and cried loudly, shaking out the register in his hand.

“Dear onlookers… I used to make a living in this city of Bian Capital, with an elderly mother and a wife, living peacefully…”

His voice suddenly became sharp. “Who would have known that a certain official in court proposed new policies and laws, convincing my wife to seek divorce based on the law! When the divorce failed, she killed my mother!”

The crowd murmured in discussion.

The man continued. “I filed a lawsuit against this venomous woman, but the magistrate refused to impose the death penalty, citing the new law! Heaven and earth witness, where is justice in this world…”

Ye Liuchun withdrew her gaze and looked at Bai Shating.

Bai Shating muttered under his breath, “Not good…”

When Shen Luo entered, Su Chaochi stood up from the chair in the main hall to greet him. “Huai’an, you’ve arrived just in time.”

Shen Luo bowed and noticed a familiar face across the room. Before he could ask, Su Chaochi gestured and introduced, “This is Qu Xiangwen from the Ministry of Revenue, Minister Qu.”

Qu Xiangwen saluted. “Lord Shen, Xiangwen greets you.”

Shen Luo gave a light “hmph,” seemingly recognizing who he was. “Isn’t this the relative of Grand Chancellor Zhou?”

“Lord Shen speaks wrongly,” Qu Xiangwen replied calmly. “I studied at Chunshan Academy and ranked twelfth in the imperial examination. After serving in the Ministry of Revenue for two years, I was appointed outside the capital. Our private relationship isn’t deep. To me, my brother-in-law and the chancellor are two different people.”

Shen Luo’s expression softened slightly, and he sat down to sip his tea. “You’re quite clear-headed, unlike Zhou Tan, who upon returning to the capital immediately promoted his family members—it’s simply…”

He didn’t continue, as he noticed someone sitting behind Su Chaochi, smiling warmly at him.

Shen Luo nearly spat out his tea. “Old Lord Luo…”

“Xiangwen, sit. Chaochi, you sit too,” Luo Jinglun waved casually to show he wasn’t offended. “Huai’an, you’re now highly regarded in the Censorate, speaking frankly before His Majesty. Even I admire you greatly…”

“To advise the ruler candidly is the duty of the Censorate,” Shen Luo bowed respectfully. “Old Lord Luo flatters me.”

“Today, I came to visit Chaochi, and coincidentally met you both. It’s perfect timing to hear your thoughts.” Luo Jinglun nodded and smiled. “I remember Huai’an meeting me at the Qionglin Banquet after the palace examination. Back then, you spoke passionately, full of ambition, saying you wanted to implement new policies and rectify the governance. You even said…”

“Old Lord Luo still remembers,” Shen Luo quickly interjected. “I was young and reckless back then, mere playful words—no need to take them seriously.”

“You’re mistaken. Today, we’re gathered here precisely to discuss new policies once again.”

Luo Jinglun glanced at Su Chaochi, surprised that he didn’t respond but simply set down his teacup gently and said, “Old Lord Luo, wait a moment. I invited another person today.”

Before Shen Luo could ask who, Zhou Tan walked in, hands clasped behind his back.

Qu Xiangwen immediately stood up and performed the proper salute. “Lord Zhou.”

Though startled, Shen Luo knew etiquette couldn’t be neglected and quickly followed suit, though his tone was tinged with subtlety. “Why has Lord Zhou come here today?”

Everyone knew about the rift between Zhou and Su. No one expected Zhou Tan to personally visit Su Chaochi’s residence.

Zhou Tan gestured for them to rise, greeted Old Lord Luo at the head of the table, then casually picked a chair and sat down. As soon as he sat, a servant respectfully closed the door.

Only then did Shen Luo notice that there were exactly five chairs arranged in the hall, likely prepared beforehand.

Luo Jinglun smiled. “Xiaobai has arrived.”

Zhou Tan calmly said, “Old Lord Luo, greetings.”

His gaze swept around the hall and continued, “His Majesty and I are at a critical juncture in implementing new laws. Xiaobai also wishes to listen to everyone’s opinions here, to reflect and improve… It’s fortunate that I arrived just in time to hear Old Lord Luo mention Huai’an’s patriotic aspirations back then. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his talents?”

Luo Jinglun added, “Xiaobai might not know, but when you were in Ruo Prefecture, abolishing the Tanghua Law and implementing reforms in taxation, livelihoods, and military systems, Huai’an paid close attention to you. At that banquet, he enthusiastically discussed it with me several times.”

Zhou Tan was somewhat surprised. “Oh?”

Feeling awkward, Shen Luo cleared his throat and assumed a serious demeanor. “Although Lord Zhou’s private virtues are questionable, promoting relatives in court, flattering superiors… the regulations implemented two years ago in Ruo Prefecture were indeed extraordinary.”

Su Chaochi chuckled. “I never expected Huai’an to have such interest in this example… But I remember, not long ago, when the new law was issued, Huai’an led the opposition. Such contradictions leave me confused.”

Shen Luo fell into rare silence.

After a moment, he stood up and bowed deeply to Zhou Tan, who returned the gesture. Shen Luo asked gravely, “I’d like to ask the Chancellor, when drafting the new law, did you have any calculations in mind?”

Zhou Tan’s eyebrows twitched. “Huai’an, this question is dull. To draft new laws naturally requires calculation. Today, I’m here to ask Huai’an something. You led the opposition—do you believe these laws shouldn’t change?”

“Of course they should change!” Shen Luo responded without hesitation.

“Where should they change?”

“Corruption top to bottom, reforming governance, land and tax laws, inheriting military systems, sweeping away remnants of the previous dynasty, and redrafting Dayin’s laws according to the times.”

“Well said,” Zhou Tan lightly clapped his hands. “Now that the new laws are established, everything aligns with what Huai’an mentioned. The Hall of State Affairs holds balance to appease noble grievances, while His Majesty and I enforce reforms strictly. Given this, why did you submit petitions opposing them?”

“Chancellor Zhou, who passed the highest imperial examination and was the top disciple of Chancellor Gu, has great talent in drafting such decrees and the determination to enforce them with thunderous resolve. Admirable and commendable. However, Huai’an must ask—you surely understand that these laws cannot be enforced so hastily?”

The few in the room listened with interest. Shen Luo paused to catch his breath, then his tone turned sharp again. “Huai’an knows that, as a newcomer, you’re eager to make your mark. Though all historical reformers met tragic ends, they left their names in history. Are you carving your legacy onto bamboo slips, disregarding the current state of the court and the broader situation? Xishao has just been subdued but remains restless; the Jiangnan region is unsettled, noble families are dissatisfied, the emperor is young, and factions abound in court. In such circumstances, enforcing strict laws…”

He grew increasingly agitated. “Huai’an truly doesn’t understand. Chancellor, you’re still young—can’t you wait a few crucial years? Wait until factional strife subsides, borders stabilize, and the emperor’s authority grows. Can’t you wait until the hearts of the people are united?”

Zhou Tan looked down at him without refuting his words, only offering a faint sneer. “Wait? How long should we wait? Ten years? Twenty years? When will the Xishao people no longer dare invade? When will factional strife in court end? Waiting without action—is Dayin capable of waiting? Are we capable of waiting? Hesitation and indecision—when will it end? It seems our paths differ, Huai’an. Very well, continue submitting petitions—even if you rally the entire Censorate to impeach me…”

He chuckled softly. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Does the Chancellor really think my indignation stems merely from dissatisfaction with you? Fine, fine…”

Shen Luo, infuriated, stomped off angrily, forgetting to bow to Luo Jinglun before leaving.

Luo Jinglun glanced at Zhou Tan and teased, “Xiaobai clearly knows Huai’an’s temperament. Why provoke him so?”

Zhou Tan sipped his tea leisurely. “What does Old Lord Luo mean? Xiaobai doesn’t understand.”

Luo Jinglun narrowed his eyes and stood up. “I’m old. Sitting too long makes me want to stretch my limbs. Chaochi, no need to see me off.”

After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped. “Xiaobai, your teacher was an old acquaintance of mine. For the sake of our friendship, let me remind you—your path is like standing at the edge of a snowy abyss or seeing fire against the wind. Stubbornness may not be a virtue.”

Zhou Tan didn’t even raise an eyelid, calmly responding, “Safe travels, Old Lord Luo.”

Only Qu Xiangwen remained in the hall. He stood up, hesitated for a long while, then said, “With the Chancellor present, this lowly official happens to have a question.”

Zhou Tan replied indifferently, showing no particular warmth. “Let’s hear it.”

Qu Xiangwen spoke softly. “I was born later and didn’t witness the debates between you and the Chief Minister back then. Today, having seen it, your reputation lives up to the legend… Amidst everyone’s discussions, I suddenly had a thought. Governing a nation and enacting reforms are like a physician treating wounds—prescribing medicine according to symptoms. If the illness is severe and slow treatment won’t suffice, drastic measures must be taken, gambling against fate. This is reasonable. But…”

“The nation isn’t one person’s body, nor does it belong solely to the court or the emperor. Under heaven, all are part of its flesh and blood. One person’s life is a single gamble, but the lives of the entire populace…”

He paused, then firmly stated, “—cannot be gambled with drastic measures! Counselor Shen just mentioned historical reformers. What I ponder is this: during Wang Mang’s usurpation, he hastily implemented reforms, causing golden laws to vanish overnight. Wang Mang’s laws weren’t inherently flawed—the timing was wrong!”

Having finished, he caught his breath and said deeply, “I hope you reflect deeply.”

Silence filled the hall. Qu Xiangwen sighed and excused himself. Not far from the door, he heard Zhou Tan say from behind, “Visit your sister sometime soon.”

Qu Xiangwen turned around, this time without bowing. “Summer heat is rising. Brother-in-law, take care of your health.”

After his figure disappeared behind the shadow wall of Su’s residence, Zhou Tan walked to Su Chaochi’s side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him at the threshold.

Su Chaochi said, “Shen Luo is actually a straightforward minister.”

Zhou Tan agreed. “His judgment is poor. Earlier, he advised the emperor against accepting Lady Luo, nearly embarrassing the royal family. He still needs a few more years of experience, but… if the court were full of people like Lord Shen, it wouldn’t be bad.”

Su Chaochi sighed. “Lord Shen speaks his mind plainly. Your brother-in-law’s words earlier sounded eloquent, but essentially, he criticized you for lacking compassion. Rarely does one possess both kindness and cunning adaptability. Give it time—he’ll become a pillar of the state.”

Zhou Tan gazed at the clouds drifting across the horizon and stretched lazily. “Yes, seeing them makes me feel hopeful for the future of Dayin…”

Before Su Chaochi could respond, a servant rushed in from the front gate. “Master, something’s wrong at Bian River—”

Zhou Tan raised his hand to signal silence and yawned, addressing Su Chaochi. “How about I host a banquet for you at Linfeng Pavilion in a few days?”

Su Chaochi hesitated. “Our current relationship is awkward. How can I attend openly?”

“No problem. After a few days, when I’m no longer Chancellor, I can invite Lord Su to my humble abode,” Zhou Tan said contentedly. He walked out, ignoring Su Chaochi’s astonished expression. “Until then.”