Chapter 4: An Old Acquaintance from the East (III)

Liu Xi, beside Song Lan, poured wine for Ye Tingyan. As Song Lan watched him drink, he continued to Luo Wei: “Lord Ye’s father was a trusted subordinate of General Zhuozhou back in the day, originally from Youzhou. In the thirteenth year of Jingning, when Beiyōu was in crisis, Lord Ye’s father died on the battlefield. His sons brought his coffin to the capital and had a brief meeting with us.”

The battle in Beiyōu was fierce. At Song Lan’s mention, Luo Wei immediately recalled: “I remember... but wasn’t it just a few years later that Lord Ye’s eldest son suffered a crushing defeat in the Battle of Youyun River? The late emperor was furious and stripped their family of their noble title.”

“Precisely,” Song Lan said, “If not for our father’s mercy, considering the general’s contributions, granting amnesty to the Ye brothers despite their brother’s fall, we wouldn’t have seen Lord San today. After the Battle of Youyun River, the protection ceased. The second son remained in Lord Ye’s former army, while the third son traveled extensively, abandoning military pursuits for scholarly ones. When I went to Beiyōu, thanks to Lord San’s covert assistance, I managed to understand the northern military deployments and hidden matters.”

Luo Wei had just mentioned the rise and fall of the Ye family. This third son showed no change in expression until Song Lan spoke, then respectfully raised his eyebrows and said: “It is my honor to have accompanied Your Majesty.”

Luo Wei examined the Ye family’s third son before her.

If she remembered correctly, this third son was born in the same year as Crown Prince Chengming, a few years older than her.

After Song Lan mentioned it, she thought deeply and finally grasped some vague memories — after the Ye family’s sons arrived in the capital, they stayed in the Qingxi Courtyard arranged by the late emperor. The third son seemed to have hit it off well with the crown prince. She even saw him several times outside the palace grounds.

Song Lan was only introduced at a banquet afterward by the crown prince, and later, when the third son left, all three of them went to see him off.

He didn’t know of this friendship, so he simply regarded him as an old acquaintance without much sentiment.

Even if she had met him years ago, he wasn’t anyone important. Her memory was too blurred, forgetting even his appearance… Where did that fleeting heart palpitation come from?

Thinking this way, Luo Wei signaled Liu Xi to pour a second cup of spring wine for Ye Tingyan: “Lord San — now we should call you Lord Ye. Just now, Your Majesty said that you chose not to follow your elder brother into the military, abandoning martial pursuits for literary ones for many years. All scholars in the world aspire to triumph in the capital. Why has Lord only come to Bianjing now?”

Ye Tingyan held the lotus-shaped golden goblet respectfully, answering smoothly: “In response to Your Highness, my elder brother disgraced our family. With nothing to my name, how could I face the emperor? Thus, with loyalty to His Majesty in my heart, I painstakingly labored in Beiyōu for years. Now, having achieved some merit, I dared to present my essay during last year’s special examination and accompany His Majesty to the capital. I am ashamed.”

Years of painstaking effort?

He must have had some connection with the crown prince back then. If he had labored for years, to whom was he loyal?

At the time of the Citang Incident, the Ye family was still infamous. This third son hadn’t come to the capital for many years. Was his arrival now truly to seek a good future after his family’s downfall?

So many questions, yet she couldn’t guess the answers.

However, Song Lan likely didn’t know about Ye Tingyan’s past relationship with Crown Prince Chengming. If he did, given his suspicious nature, he wouldn’t dare favor this person.

Then, didn’t Lord Ye fear she would inform Song Lan of this matter?

Luo Wei turned this thought over, then bitterly smiled at her excessive suspicion. In the eyes of the unknowing public, Song Lan was the closest royal brother to Crown Prince Chengming. Being loyal to him was no different from being loyal to an old friend.

After drinking three cups of spring wine bestowed by the emperor and empress, Ye Tingyan was about to take his leave when Yu Qiushi, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly stopped him: “Lord Ye, please stay.”

Holding his wine cup, he rose and walked towards Ye Tingyan, turning to ask: “Your Majesty, may I inquire what position Lord Ye has been granted?”

Song Lan, unaware of his intentions, replied: “During last year’s special examination, Tingyan’s ‘On the Injury of Knowledge’ caused quite a stir. His essays and calligraphy were exquisite, and while in Beiyōu, he assisted the governor in overseeing internal and external affairs. The Ministry of Personnel has drafted the paperwork. Though without hereditary privilege, he will enter the court as an Imperial Censor and also serve as a junior editor in the Qiongting Palace.”

These two positions are interesting. The emperor can appoint an Imperial Censor without the prime minister’s consent. Although the rank of a junior editor in the Qiongting Palace is not high and usually under various officials’ jurisdiction, it places one directly into the central core affairs.

As long as the emperor wishes, a few achievements could lead to a justified promotion.

Luo Wei’s lips curved slightly; Song Lan was more eager than she had imagined.

Though Song Lan and Yu Qiushi’s relationship wasn’t as confrontational as she previously thought, since the abolition of the chief advisor position in the Ming Emperor’s reign, the unchecked power of the prime minister has been every emperor’s hidden concern. Upright figures like the Su family’s three prime ministers are rare. Even though Song Lan confides in Yu Qiushi, he desires to curb his influence sooner.

Thus, Song Lan needs to select confidants outside the powerful families.

Ye Tingyan, hailing from a fallen military family, unaffected by the intimidation of Bianjing’s influential clans, and having significant influence in the north, is indeed his top choice.

She understood clearly; naturally, Yu Qiushi understood as well. His toast now was likely an attempt to create difficulties.

Luo Wei casually picked a fruit from the crystal plate beside her, content to watch the show.

Sure enough, upon receiving the reply, Yu Qiushi immediately changed his address: “Lord Imperial Censor.”

Ye Tingyan responded neither humbly nor arrogantly: “Please instruct, Master Tutor.”

“Your ‘On the Injury of Knowledge’ was excellent. Young scholars, above possess the courage to stand independently amidst thunderstorms, below harbor compassion for all living beings. This old man highly appreciates it.” Yu Qiushi’s demeanor was sincere and natural, resembling a harmonious elder. “However, there is one thing I don’t understand. Please enlighten me, Lord Censor.”

“I dare not. Please ask, Master Tutor.”

“Many people do not know that Lord Ye’s eldest son was suspected of defecting during the Battle of Youyun River. Initially, both the censor and another elder brother were pursued as traitors, even branded with slave marks. Later, due to insufficient evidence and the late emperor’s benevolence, considering the deceased General Ye, an edict pardoned the Ye family’s crimes.”

Ye Tingyan listened calmly, his hand holding the goblet not trembling in the slightest.

Luo Wei glanced at Song Lan, noticing his slightly darkened expression.

Ye Tingyan’s arrival in the capital, including today, was only five days ago. Little Emperor Zhao surely didn’t expect that within these few days, Yu Qiushi had thoroughly investigated his thousand-mile-away, years-old secrets.

“Censor, you faced such calamity in your youth, nearly destroyed. After the second son joined the army, you and your elder brother were separated and disappeared for a long time before being found. Recently, I had drinks with a general who once stationed in Beiyōu, and unintentionally heard some fresh talk.”

“After the third son was lost, General Ye had many old subordinates, spending large sums to help the second son search for his younger brother. Over five years, there were no less than ten imposters, and finally finding the censor—”

“It was because of that ‘On the Injury of Knowledge.’”

He meaningfully dragged out the tone, his voice carrying a laugh, but his words were clearly accusatory: “Third Son was indeed accomplished in both literature and martial arts when young. Moreover, someone capable of writing ‘On the Injury of Knowledge’—what motive could they have to impersonate? Therefore, no one doubted.”

“But after hearing this, many doubts arose in this old man’s heart.”

He didn’t continue, but everyone already understood his implication.

Ye Tingyan stood firmly, asking in a somewhat peculiar tone: “Does Master Tutor doubt my identity?”

Yu Qiushi shook his head: “Identity? Not identity, but purpose — this conjecture isn’t hard to hear in Beiyōu. For a censor to be appointed, their background must have been thoroughly investigated. However, why hasn’t such rumor reached the emperor’s ears? Even I only learned it unintentionally. Who deliberately obscured this matter?”

He immediately turned around, bowing respectfully to Song Lan: “What I wished to discuss with Your Majesty just now was precisely this. Your Majesty may employ old servants of the Ye family, but cannot employ ministers of unclear identity!”

Luo Wei inwardly sneered.

Yu Qiushi is indeed an old fox steeped in experience, with venomous tactics.

Likely, when Song Lan brought Ye Tingyan back to the capital or even earlier, after reading ‘On the Injury of Knowledge’ and guessing Song Lan’s intention to promote him to suppress the prime minister’s power, Yu Qiushi began investigating flaws in Ye Tingyan’s background.

The Ye family’s second son recognized this younger brother. When Song Lan sent people to investigate, they never doubted this matter.

Yu Qiushi specially sought out generals from Beiyōu, questioning them meticulously word by word, day by day, finally uncovering this gap.

With just a bit of embellishment, he could cast an indelible shadow in the already suspicious emperor’s mind.

How could Ye Tingyan prove his identity?

—Just like proving “I” am “me.”

Unless concise and powerful, even if Song Lan doesn’t believe now, using him later would be impossible without reservations.

A masterful art of psychological warfare.

Luo Wei, resting her cheek on her hand, suddenly thought that Song Lan and Yu Qiushi had colluded for a long time. Yu Qiushi likely several times suggested such remarks about her to Song Lan.

After all, these two clearly knew she and Song Lan were sleeping with knives drawn against each other.

In the dark night, unable to clash openly, but if daylight breaks, everything becomes exposed.

How could Song Lan boldly perform in front of her under such suspicion? Was he confident his actions would never be known by her, or did he find no one else to counterbalance Yu Qiushi?

The once timid and shy young man in her mind had already developed such intricate manipulative skills.

Song Lan’s brows were tightly furrowed, while Luo Wei was still focused on the uneaten snack in her hand. Suddenly, Yu Qiushi turned to her: “Both Your Majesty and Empress met Lord Third when young. Your Majesty only saw him once, forgetting is understandable. Empress, might you have had deeper private interactions with Lord Third, still remembering his appearance? If so, there’s no need for further investigation.”

If she answered affirmatively, it would resolve Ye Tingyan’s current predicament, albeit dragging herself into it, frequently mentioning the past.

She had no private dealings with Ye Tingyan; remaining silent was already a favor.

Thus, Luo Wei immediately denied: “Master Tutor jests. Like His Majesty, I only saw Lord Third briefly in his youth. How could I recall his appearance? I vaguely remember a handsome young man. Your Majesty, correct?”

Song Lan forced a smile: “Only seen once.”

Ye Tingyan stood alone on Dianhong Terrace, his golden goblet already empty.

Upon hearing her words, he neither looked disappointed nor panicked, merely lifting his eyelids and casting a faint glance at her.

This glance made Luo Wei suddenly realize that perhaps their overly coincidental encounter earlier was Ye Tingyan foreseeing today’s trouble, seeking her aid.

But he didn’t find an opportunity to speak.

The three people before her each harbored countless tactical thoughts. Since it didn’t involve her, she cared little about the outcome.

Yet Ye Tingyan’s indifferent and calm gaze piqued Luo Wei’s curiosity — if he anticipated Yu Qiushi’s doubts and considered solutions, now failing to implement them, did he have any other strategies?

After pondering for a moment, Song Lan still asked: “Tingyan, can you resolve Master Tutor’s doubts?”

Ye Tingyan calmly flicked his robes and knelt again: “When I was stranded outside, I was harmed by villains and injured for a long time. Finally meeting my elder brother, if not convinced, why would he acknowledge me? Now he is far in Youzhou, unable to testify for me. Master Tutor’s words are truly absurd.”

Wearing green robes and adorned with jade, kneeling straight, his upright posture almost made Luo Wei doubt whether the brazen smile she saw earlier by the roadside was an illusion: “Why do I need to prove that I am myself? How can I prove that I am myself?”

Yu Qiushi pretended not to hear, pressing with a respectful bow: “Your Majesty!”

Song Lan swirled the wine goblet beside him, pondering for a moment, then suddenly said: “According to Master Tutor’s words, before Lord Ye’s third son parted ways with his brother, he was pursued as a traitor and branded with a slave mark. Thus, proving his identity shouldn’t be difficult. We only need to check if he bears that slave mark.”

Yu Qiushi was startled, looking at Ye Tingyan beside him, seeing his expression stiffen.

Branding a slave mark is an extremely severe punishment for the people of Da Yin. For the literati gathered at Dianhong Terrace today, it is no less than a humiliation akin to lingchi. Even if later pardoned, removing the slave mark by skinning it would leave an ugly scar.

The spirit of ‘On the Injury of Knowledge’ was exceedingly high. Would a scholar capable of writing such an article go to the extent of branding himself with a lifelong humiliating mark if impersonating?

While Yu Qiushi hesitated, he heard murmurs from below due to Ye Tingyan’s prolonged presence. Seizing the moment, he immediately said: “Your Majesty’s words are wise. To prevent this person from exploiting any loophole, let’s request him to reveal the mark publicly. If this minister is mistaken, I am willing to apologize publicly to Lord Third.”

Song Lan satisfiedly said: “Very good.”

Ye Tingyan, however, said: “Impossible!”

Yu Qiushi’s slander was baseless, using something unprovable to drive a wedge between this monarch and his minister. Now that Song Lan mentioned the slave mark, he immediately shifted his thoughts, hoping Ye Tingyan would strip in public, revealing the scar below his collarbone.

If absent, his speculation would be true, confirming the crime of deceiving the sovereign.

If present, he would lose face before the literati across the land, making it difficult to command respect even if entering the Qiongting Palace.

Ye Tingyan’s statement of “impossible” further affirmed his certainty: “Lord Imperial Censor, are you unwilling or afraid?”

Luo Wei finished her snack, thinking that if Ye Tingyan were driven to a dead end by Yu Qiushi and fell into the trap in desperation, it would disappoint her greatly. She had operated in the court for many years, finally seeing someone able to share Yu Qiushi’s favor with Song Lan. If he could handle the current predicament, perhaps in the future...

Ye Tingyan confronted Yu Qiushi, showing no retreat under his condescending gaze, speaking word by word: “Though hailing from the border, I was educated by the sages. The sages taught that gentlemen value their attire more than life. Is Master Tutor truly doubting my identity, or deliberately humiliating me?”