#56: Illuminating the Depths (III)

When Ye Tingyan visited, Yu Qiushi was reading a邸report in hand. Glancing up to see the pink-clad figure amidst the green lotuses, he couldn’t help but be startled and then said, “Lord Ye, please sit.”

Their meeting place was a pavilion belonging to a certain brothel on the Bian River. It was summer, and the fragrant lotus breeze wafted into the pavilion. The surrounding lotus leaves had grown quite tall, providing excellent cover. Even the various pleasure boats frequently passing by the Bian River in summer couldn’t see the figures inside.

Yu Qiushi wore a dark blue Daoist robe, an ancient color, while Ye Tingyan wore his usual light pink thin gauze scholar’s robe. He hadn’t worn a hat, simply inserting a flower-shaped jade hairpin, though it was unclear what kind of flower it was.

Sitting opposite each other, no one would guess that these were close ministers to the emperor—just an amiable elder and a young nobleman, pleasing to the eye.

Men of the dynasty were fond of elegance; such attire, though seemingly indulgent, wasn’t inappropriate. Yu Qiushi had never seen him dressed like this and found it interesting enough to watch for a long time.

A serving girl on the side poured wine from a silver pot for them and couldn’t resist stealing glances continuously.

Yu Qiushi glanced at the red gold hairpin on the girl’s head and laughed, “Green-haired youth with golden hairpins, amber sinking in a pale powder pot[1]. My blurred eyes have never noticed before, Lord Ye is so elegant.”

Ye Tingyan’s expression didn’t change as he humbly responded, “Dare not, dare not.”

Yu Qiushi signaled to the girl, about to order her to leave, but suddenly thoughtfully probed, “If Tingyan likes her, I will gift you this beauty today. I heard your residence is still empty; having a charming maiden to add fragrance, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Unexpectedly, Ye Tingyan rejected without blinking, “I have someone dear to me, far away in a distant land[2]. Thank you for the Grand Tutor’s kindness, but my parents arranged a marriage for me with a close friend’s daughter when I was young. Everyone in the northern border knows—I already have a fiancée.”

He had sent people to inquire about Lord Ye San’s affairs in the northern border and heard something about it. Though it was common for young men to be flirtatious, he didn’t expect him to reject so decisively.

Perhaps it was because this was someone he offered.

Yu Qiushi chuckled, waving his sleeve teasingly, “Not yet married, and your fiancée lets you come to the capital alone to seek a career?”

Ye Tingyan gently replied, “Seeking a career is also for my wife. How can there be any worry or not?”

Yu Qiushi raised his cup in praise, “You are a loyal and faithful gentleman.”

The other party’s expression remained unchanged, “Grand Tutor flatters too much.”

After drinking, Yu Qiushi picked up the邸report from May 21st again—precisely written by Ye Tingyan. While lowering his eyes to read, he pondered. This person had been in the capital for half a year, increasingly gaining Song Lan’s trust. Now wearing crimson robes, his rapid promotion was rare in the dynasty, presumably due to his deep understanding of the superior’s intentions.

After the late spring case, he truly probed this person’s depth, unaware then that the other was already serving the Empress. Ye Tingyan swiftly cut off one of his arms, yet didn’t make him angry, instead prompting him to think—if he couldn’t eliminate him, why not pull him to his side?

He rarely saw such peculiar people—gold, silver, treasures, he seemed not to lack. Even Dingzhou red kiln and Guzhu purple bamboo shoots presented to him were all returned. Fame and power—he didn’t need to promise, now he was highly sought after in the court, despite daily petitions from censors, he still rose rapidly.

As for beautiful women, he just got the answer.

Other things—he had immersed himself in the court for many years and couldn’t discern anything. He couldn’t tell if this person harbored the world’s people or burning ideals in his chest.

He was like a deep, tranquil pool, its surface calm, accommodating everything, seemingly desiring nothing.

No wonder he gained trust, almost becoming an unrivaled minister.

So, designing before Hui Ling Lake and realizing he defected to the Empress, Yu Qiushi was genuinely curious—what did the Empress promise him?

Today, he invited him to a banquet, deliberately calling him “Tingyan,” signaling a gesture of reconciliation, yet the other remained indifferent, even dressed like this. If it were others, this move could be seen as an insult, but he appeared natural, as if casually dressed to attend a relative’s feast.

They sat opposite, chatting leisurely about several amusing events in the court, their words intimate like old friends. When the food was finished, Ye Tingyan, inspired by slight drunkenness, picked up a bamboo chopstick to strike the wine vessel, chanting a verse of “Full Fragrance Court.”

Yu Qiushi harmonized the next stanza, and they burst out laughing together—but looking into each other’s eyes, they both realized there was absolutely no mirth in them.

Seeing he wouldn’t open up, Yu Qiushi could do nothing but sigh repeatedly, muttering “such a pity.”

Before leaving, Ye Tingyan abruptly asked as if suddenly inspired, “Grand Tutor, you’ve been exiled three times, gained the former emperor’s recognition, soared to prominence, became prime minister in middle age, adept at navigating situations, now wielding immense power in the court. In your twenty-three years as a minister, does Grand Tutor have any regrets or remorse?”

This question was rather impolite. Yu Qiushi’s hand holding the cup stiffened, “What does Tingyan mean by this?”

After asking, he saw Ye Tingyan instinctively placing his hand over his injured right shoulder, revealing a bitter smile, “Grand Tutor, I hail from a military family. Originally, I should have galloped across the wilderness, drawn bows on the border, emulating my forefathers, becoming a guardian general of the realm. But alas... my father passed early, my elder brother involved in a rebellion case, leaving me a humiliating mark, wandering paths, also damaging my health, rendering me unable to become the dream figure of yesteryears. After our family fell, ten years of deep kindness repaid in full, reflecting on past events, often feeling dazed. If my elder brother survived the Youyun River campaign back then, how would this life have unfolded?”

What he spoke of clearly had nothing to do with whether he had “regrets” as previously asked, but hearing it, Yu Qiushi felt astonished, old memories surging, mixed feelings overwhelming, momentarily speechless.

However, being experienced, he quickly recovered, masking it, “In the vicissitudes of officialdom, military families face more dangers, rises and falls are common. Tingyan ultimately benefited from misfortune, becoming a civil official, more respected than a military officer.”

Ye Tingyan stared intently at him, catching a fleeting moment of absent-mindedness in his eyes.

The smile on his lips gradually froze, his tone colder than before, “Grand Tutor speaks wisely.”

Finishing the last cup of wine in his hand, provocatively overturned the cup in front of Yu Qiushi, flicked his sleeve to leave. Yu Qiushi, angered by his audacity, coldly said behind him, “Ignorant and arrogant boy, thinking leaning towards your master will ensure her protection for life? Ridiculous. Today, this old man merely cherishes talent, wanting to give you a hint. The rift between your master and His Majesty is insurmountable by heaven and man. I only hope someday you don’t end up in hell together.”

Ye Tingyan paused, “...insurmountable by heaven and man?”

Realizing his slip, Yu Qiushi refused to say more, flipping through the邸report in hand, “Lord Ye practices Yan style calligraphy? This script is solemn and majestic, if not practiced from childhood, always lacking. You must strive harder.”

Switching to “Lord Ye” and mocking his insufficient Yan style penmanship, seeing Ye Tingyan’s alarmed expression upon hearing of the rift between the Emperor and Empress, his expression softened, “Conveniently, this old man has some insights into calligraphy. Should Tingyan ever be confused about its intricacies, feel free to visit the Yu residence for a discussion.”

As soon as Yu Qiushi finished speaking, the woman who had poured wine earlier silently drifted into the pavilion, handing over a brocade box.

Ye Tingyan took it and examined—a jade pen carved from green jade, the shaft adorned as bamboo, clear without a trace of impurity, appearing priceless—a gift any literati in the world would love.

Presenting the gift box, Yu Qiushi didn’t look up until the footsteps faded, then he looked at the girl pouring wine for him, “Is the brocade box gone?”

The girl lowered her eyes obediently, “Taken by that handsome lord.”

Thus, Yu Qiushi laughed loudly, pointing to the lotus cluster before him, “Ultimately, one cannot escape mundanity. Golden hairpin, golden hairpin, find the most beautifully bloomed lotus to accompany my wine.”

•

The flowers along the Bian River were in full bloom, and the lotuses in Qionghua Palace also grew luxuriantly this summer. Early in June, Li Neiren hopped past the small pond crowded with lotuses, trailing a long cicada chirp.

Following Luo Wei’s instructions, she caught a large bag of cicadas and placed them carefully in the garden. After finishing, intending to return to the hall, she discovered Zhang Sunwu guarding the door.

Seeing her approach, he didn’t push open the door behind him but led her to sit under the corridor pillars in front.

Seems there were guests inside the hall.

Li Neiren’s original name was “Ayan,” entering the palace at five years old, unknown of her parents’ whereabouts, only knowing she should be surnamed Li. She had always served as a maid in the laundry room, and “Ayan” was a name casually given by the head palace maid.

Previously, she didn’t think much of it, but after Zhang Sunwu came and talked more with her, she felt somewhat uneasy.

Though “Yan” was a good character, how many “Ayans” were there in the Da Yi dynasty?

Upon learning Zhang Sunwu had previously served in the library, she begged him to give her a new name.

Zhang Sunwu chose “Chaolan,” but told her to first ask Her Majesty if it was acceptable.

Luo Wei, hearing it was a name chosen by Zhang Sunwu, clapped and laughed, “‘Drinking the dew from the magnolia in the morning, dining on the fallen chrysanthemum petals in the evening’[3], lines from ‘Li Sao,’ naturally good.”

She wrote the characters “Chaolan” and gifted them to her. Li Neiren received her new name and puzzled, “Why does Mr. Zhang want me to ask Her Majesty?”

Luo Wei smiled, “Sunwu was concerned about using this name needing taboo, since my courtesy name also partly comes from this line, but it doesn’t matter, since it’s only half.”

Only then did Li Neiren realize the Empress’s courtesy name was “Luo Wei”—everyone in the forbidden palace called her “Her Majesty,” occasionally outsiders respectfully addressed her as “Empress Su,” just like everyone called her “Li Neiren.”

Over time, those fragrant and beautiful maiden names were gradually forgotten.

“The ‘Luo’ is from ‘Li Sao,’ the ‘Wei’ is from ‘Shi Jing,’ one for falling petals, one for gathering wild peas, both pure objects. Choosing ‘Xu’ as a name signifies talent; taking one character each from ‘Feng’ and ‘Sao’ signifies virtue—names and courtesy names are blessings and expectations from parents and teachers.”

When no one was around, the Empress spoke freely without reservations. Afterwards, Zhang Sunwu always repeatedly warned her not to talk about it outside, lest it be heard and lead to accusations of the Empress pampering her inner courtiers.

Li Neiren—now could be called “Chaolan,” Chaolan, upon hearing the Empress’s words, sighed, “So much thought goes into names and courtesy names!”

She persisted, “Could Her Majesty explain more? What is Her Majesty’s favorite name?”

Hearing her words, the Empress suddenly felt a tinge of sorrow—forlornness clearly expressed when alone, brows slightly furrowed, eyes flickering—he had served her for some time, observing it clearly.

Luo Wei dotted three drops of water on the rice paper with her brush but didn’t write further.

Chaolan initially thought the Empress was writing the Emperor’s taboo name, later Zhang Sunwu secretly told her the Empress should be reminiscing about an old friend who grew up with her but passed away early.

He traced a “Ling” character in her palm, then wrote “Lingye,” paused for a moment, slowly added “Chengming.” Chaolan marveled, “The last one is a title too? Such bright, bright names… bright and cold, like… like distant stars.”

Zhang Sunwu explained to her, “‘Ling’ means supreme goodness like water, from ‘Dao De Jing,’ representing perfect virtue. ‘Lingye’ is another name for lightning, recorded in ‘Chu Ci,’ ‘Fearful of the changing seasons, the shining Lingye travels westward’[4]. ‘Shining Ling’ refers to the sun, ‘Ye’ for brilliance, hence his title is Chengming—indeed very bright.”

Chaolan gasped, “I wonder who could bear such grandiose names of the sun, moon, stars, and rivers… ah, wait, ‘Chengming’? Isn’t that—”

Zhang Sunwu gestured “shh” to her, “Silence, silence.”

Chaolan covered her mouth but secretly asked, “Have you seen that Crown Prince? Is he as bright as these names imply?”

Not knowing what “bright” meant when referring to a person, Zhang Sunwu still nodded without hesitation, “His Highness… is a very, very good person.”

Chaolan disbelieved, “How good?”

Zhang Sunwu became somewhat lost in thought, “As good as Her Majesty.”

“I don’t believe it, how can anyone be as good as Her Majesty? Noble Consort is good too, but she often gets angry, not as gentle as Her Majesty.”

“Yes, there are, but I haven’t met anyone better than His Highness and Her Majesty. Even if I had, I’d still think they’re the best.”

Chaolan thought for a long time, proudly declaring, “You’ve seen His Highness and think he’s good, I’ve only seen Her Majesty, so naturally, I only think Her Majesty is good. There are many good people in the world, but for us, they are the best.”

Zhang Sunwu paused, agreeing, “You’re right.”

Chaolan sat with Zhang Sunwu in front of the corridor, suddenly recalling this conversation from a few days ago. Moved, she asked, “Mr. Zhang, I forgot to ask, what does your name mean?”

Zhang Sunwu replied, “Ordinary, emptiness—terms from Buddhist scriptures, self-chosen, meaning all past matters are void.”

Chaolan was astonished, “How can it be void? Doesn’t Mr. Zhang have any relatives?”

Zhang Sunwu slowly recalled, “There used to be a brother…”

He didn’t continue, and Chaolan, about to ask another question, Zhang Sunwu turned and asked, “What did you go do?”

Thus, she forgot her original question, “Catch cicadas! Since the Emperor forbids killing cicadas, Her Majesty ordered me to catch some to identify. I originally thought cicadas lived short lives, but Her Majesty said there were thirteen-year and seventeen-year cicadas. So I caught some and placed them in the garden to see how long they would live.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the palace door opened.

A lavishly dressed young lady walked out of the hall, bowing once more to Luo Wei before departing.

Chaolan returned the bow, thinking Her Majesty recently seemed to have met many old friends. These old friends were mostly wives of high officials. Previously, when they visited, Her Majesty mostly declined, but now, for some reason, she met them all.

This person had just left when Liu Mingzhong from the Emperor’s side came to deliver a message, saying the Emperor requested Her Majesty to discuss matters at Qianfang Hall.

“I’ll go immediately.”

Luo Wei returned to the hall and tossed a brocade handkerchief into the basin—it was something she obtained today from the flower-adorned place at the library. Upon receiving it, she heard visitors were coming and had to hold it in her hand.

The copper basin revealed characters, only one line.

—Your servant wishes to assist Your Majesty starting June 1st.

Though this person had said she was rash that day, when it came down to it, he ultimately stood by her side.

Luo Wei revealed a faint smile. She dried the handkerchief, placed it over a candle flame to burn. When Chaolan pushed the door open, she only saw a flash of fire in the void, then the fire turned to ashes, falling before her.

Luo Wei turned to change clothes in the inner hall, walking while asking, “Did Liu Mingzhong tell you what it was about?”

Chaolan racked her brain, “Mr. Liu said it involves southwestern taxation. His Majesty is furious today, summoning not only Her Majesty but also the Vice Minister of Revenue, officials from the Silver Platform, and the Grand Tutor. It seems to be a major matter.”

Luo Wei raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise.