Tag: jun you ji fou

There was much snowfall in the northern country; with the passage of time it was getting closer to New Years’ Eve by the day, such that it snowed even more flagrantly, the flurries of snow covered the ground, then getting picked up by the large winds, slowly swirling into flight. The lanterns within Chang’an capital had long been hung high, the white snow setting up a backdrop for the flame red, the sight of it bringing festive cheer, like it could disperse much of the chill on a person’s body.
　　The duties of the court gradually lightened, and both high and minor officials looked forward to spending a peaceful rest at home during the year-end holiday.
　　Weiyang Palace was wrapped plainly in a silver robe¹ and outside the palace the winds and snow scraped oppressively, within the palace warmth radiated.
　　After Li Yanzhen had heard the report, he suddenly said: “Speaking of which, Beloved Subject Su and Beloved Subject Chu seem to have grown a lot closer recently?”“
　　Chu Mingyun raised his brows, laughed lowly and was about to answer when Su Shiyu beat him to it, “This subject and Master Chu have a exchanged a lot of duties in the past few days, and so inevitably we’ve had a little more contact. Also, we’ve both been in court for many years, and our relations have always been harmonious, how can it be called suddenly growing closer.”
　　Chu Mingyun completely doesn’t remember that he and Su Shiyu have always gotten along in harmony?
　　”That’s true.” Li Yanzhen nodded, and smiled at Su Shiyu, “The end of the year is fast approaching, and matters have been settled aptly in the Censorate; before the resuming of court in the Beginning month (1st month of the new year according to lunar calendar) do you have free time?”
　　”Yes,” Su Shiyu said, “Although there are sometimes insurrectors and those who mess with the law, but the governance as a whole is still in order, so Your Majesty will have free time.”
　　”We didn’t ask for you to talk about that,” Li Yanzhen waved in dismissal, and looked at him while speaking, “Since you have nothing on, after court on the day of New Year’s eve how about you don’t return to your residence, and just stay in the palace and accompany Us to ring in the new year?”
　　Chu Mingyun who had been ignored glanced over the two of them, and with unknown intent the corner of mouth twitched, but he didn’t speak up to disrupt them.
　　Su Shiyu clearly froze, and made sure he didn’t hear that mistakenly before replying: “Received Your Majesty’s favor, but begging pardon that this subject is unable to comply.”
　　”Why not?” Asked Li Yanzhen.
　　”At the year’s end Your Majesty should be gathering the imperial harem and sharing a banquet with them, for a subject of the external palace to mingle among you, is truly unheard of.”
　　”Then just don’t invite them, isn’t it fine if it’s only Us and you?”
　　Su Shiyu looked at him and said in resignation: “Then that would be even more against the etiquette and ancestral laws, I’m afraid that would invite the denunciation of the public.”
　　”We are still the owner of the imperial throne, who dares to make presumptuous comment? You just say whether or not you accept.”
　　”This subject’s duty is to supervise the officials, how could I model warping of the law?” Su Shiyu got down on one knee, “Your Majesty’s good intentions, this subject will just appreciate it in his heart.”
　　”Beloved Subject Su,” Li Yanzhen said discontentedly, “That year when We were in the Eastern Palace* it wasn’t as if you never kept me company in the palace before, why are you so unwilling to now? Besides, your parents are both deceased now, your uncle was involved in the case, and you can’t visit your relatives anymore; without the family reunion, what’s the point of you returning to your residence alone?”
　　Su Shiyu hung his head, and at a corner that wasn’t seen by anyone a glint in his eyes darkened, but he didn’t say anything for a while.
　　This moment of silence made Li Yanzhen realise he had said something wrong, but it was just a bit of good intention on his part, and it wasn’t easy for him to retract his earlier words, so he could only look at that figure (Su Shiyu) uneasily.
　　It’s just that after a while Su Shiyu stood up again, sighing lightly, and when he raised his eyes again he looked completely unperturbed, “At that time this subject was Your Majesty’s study companion, there was nothing inappropriate about me to attend to you by your side, but now is different from yesteryear,” He paused, “Additionally, since Your Majesty still remembers, (you) should also remember the reason that this Subject was unable to return to the residence that New Year’s eve, and was confined together with you (respectful form) in the Eastern Palace. ” His tone sunk by a few points, “Your Majesty, be cautious in speech and conduct.”
　　Li Yanzhen was shocked, and opened his mouth a few times but could not say anything, his gaze fell on Chu Mingyun and then he looked away again, and closed his mouth not speaking a word.
　　Chu Mingyun measured their expressions with a bit of amusement, then suddenly made a light cough, and said with a smile: “Actually Your Majesty also doesn’t need to worry about Master Su. His cousin is currently staying at this subject’s residence, if Master Su feels lonely staying at his own residence by himself, then I believe he would also come over. This subject will definitely attentively take care of him on Your Majesty’s behalf.”
　　The sense of provocation within these words were really too obvious, Su Shiyu wrinkled his brow looking at him, but didn’t refute him. Li Yanzhen stared straight at Chu Mingyun for a while, and at the end of that he wordlessly turned his head away.
　　
　　When the two of them walked out of the palace hall it was snowing, and looking into the distance, the horizon was the brilliant white of snow. Su Shiyu suddenly paused in his step, raised his head towards the gray overcast clouds, stood in silence for a while, the chilling wind scraping his throat. He looked at Chu Mingyun who had already walked quite few steps away and suddenly spoke up: “Master Chu.”
　　The sound of his voice was blown till its fragmented in the desolate air, Chu Mingyun stopped, turned his body to look at him, “En?”
　　Su Shiyu paced nearer to him, the accumulated snow under his feet making small crunching noises under his steps, he stood in front of him, slowly revealing a smile, “After the Sealing of Office on New Year’s Eve, I’ll return to my residence and change to regular clothing before making my way over, I’ll be troubling you.”
　　”Making your way over?” Chu Mingyun said in surprise, “Master Su wants to come to my residence?”
　　”Yes,” Su Shiyu said, the white vapor he breathed out diffusing. He looked towards the dimming sun in the distance, and his tone was gentle, “This winter is indeed a bit too cold.”
　　Chu Mingyun was unable to read his meaning, “……In Master Su’s residence……there is not enough lit charcoal?”
　　”(My circumstances) are not as bad as to be that poverty-stricken. ” Su Shiyu laughed faintly, “What, didn’t you say just now you’d receive me attentively, but now you no longer welcome me?”
　　”How could that be,” Chu Mingyun laughed, “I’d look forward to seeing you anytime.”
　　The two pairs of tracks in the snow were soon covered without a trace, they walked shoulder-to-shoulder getting closer as they went on, and melted into the whited-out snowscape.
　　Actually Li Yanzhen wasn’t wrong, even if he returned to his residence he would be by his lonesome, and always facing the plaques to sit emptily for a night was rather lonely. Besides, this winter……was a bit too cold.
　　
　　On the actual day of New Years’ eve the weather was relatively clear, it’s just near dusk it started to snow again suddenly. Clouds gathered in the heavens, snow piled in the courtyards, the cold wind blew so strongly that the windows creaked.
　　Qin Zhao shut the windows tightly, turning his face towards the person lazing on the mattress. Chu Mingyun had long changed out of his officials’ robes, and held a hand warmer, half his face buried in a white fox fur. His eyes were closed as if in deep sleep, his eyelashes long, and his brows still.
　　The moment Qin Zhao’s footsteps sounded, Chu Mingyun spoke up, but did not open his eyes, “He’s come over?”
　　”It’s still early.” Qin Zhao said, “But since Su Shiyu is coming, aren’t we going to decorate the residence a bit?His gaze swept over the furnishings that were the same as usual, “In the entirety of Chang’an, I’m afraid our place here has the least new year’s atmosphere.”
　　”You find it not festive enough?” Chu Mingyun raised his eyelids slowly, and smiled a barely-there smile, “Then paste some ‘Xi (happiness)’ words on the door and windows, then place some red candles and melon seeds, Su Shiyu and I will sit in the hall, You and Du Yue change into new clothing and make bows at the altar, how about that?” (T/N: I.e. Getting married to Du Yue)
　　”Shige.” Qin Zhao looked at him with a stiff face.
　　Even though after that day Qin Zhao and Du Yue had somewhat made up, and looked to be fine on the surface, but whenever they were faced with each other there would be a silent stuffiness. In Qin Zhao’s heart was hidden something so he would naturally not speak, and the more Du Yue looked at him being silent, he would be unexpectedly cooperative and also follow along in keeping silent, and so these days they spoke less to each other.
　　Chu Mingyun laughed, and stop picking at his (Qin Zhao’s) wound, sitting up, casually sweeping his scattered hair to his back, “There’s no real reason to decorate. If Su Shiyu is dissatisfied when he comes, I’d be more pleased if he turns and leaves.”
　　”How come he wants to come here?” Qin Zhao asked, “Because Du Yue is here?”
　　”You think Su Shiyu is the same as you? To him, Du Yue isn’t that much of an attraction.” Chu Mingyun gave him a look, and then lowered his eyes to survey the gold filigree handwarmer, “Don’t know what he’s plotting, I thought about it for a long while just now and still couldn’t figure it out. Also, ” he paused, crinkling his brow and saying, “I don’t if it’s my misperception, Su Shiyu’s attitude towards me seems to have improved a lot from previously.”
　　Qin Zhao thought a bit, “Perhaps it’s because you have had more contact, he is perceiving you as a friend.”
　　”Ke,” Chu Mingyun laughed coldly, and said not without sarcasm, “You didn’t notice before? The people beside Su Shiyu and close to him are all like Du Yue who don’t bring their brains when they leave the house, he obviously doesn’t like associating deeply with people who are overly calculating. And how I am as a person, I also have some self-awareness.”
　　”Then your intention is?”
　　”Let the residence be strictly guarded, keep a close eye on the people who Su Shiyu bring with him.”
　　
　　They dallied in the inner room for another while, estimating when it was getting close to the time, then stood up to go to the main hall.
　　It was spacious and airy in the hall, four benches were placed apart in rows of two, and to the side stood a small brazier, the charcoal fire brightly lit, and the entire hall was infused with warmth. The cold wind gathered up and blew traces of snow inward, which melted into little water droplets in the red corridor.
　　Du Yue squatted in a corner, back facing him and tinkering with who knows what.
　　”What are you doing?” Chu Mingyun said.
　　Du Yue turned his head back, letting out a light ‘hmph’, eyes filled with smugness, “I’m not telling you.”
　　Chu Mingyun squinted at the pile of fireworks he (Du Yue) was trying to block at his front, “You’re too short, can’t block it completely.”
　　Du Yue shot up to his feet,”You…..”
　　Qin Zhao looked at him whilst standing behind Chu Mingyun, his dark eyes serene. His heart jumped, quickly moving away his line of sight, remembering how Qin Zhao might still be angry. If he also provoked Chu Mingyun at this time it was uncertain if he’d protect his self(Du Yue), so he could only murmur with recognition of the situation at hand, “Laozi is still young, after a few more years I’ll definitely be taller than you.”
　　Chu Mingyun listened sincerely, then ignored him.
　　The sound of footfalls started up behind him, a blue-clothed maidservant hurried over to report, Chu Mingyun inattentively made a sound in reply, and turned around. The moment he looked up, he froze slightly.
　　Plum blossoms bloomed fiercely in courtyard, and a person’s figure emerged from the snowstorm. Hair as black as ink, Su Shiyu steadily stepped over the accumulated snow towards them by his lonesome. He held up a black bamboo-boned umbrella, the breeze filling his sleeves, as if in that moment that he approached the cold fragrance of winter plums bloomed silently, the adrift snow draping over his shoulders, like a tasteful and elegant free-hand (xieyi) painting.
　　”My cousin really is so damn good-looking ah!” Du Yue strutted up to him and sighed.
　　Chu Mingyun swept his gaze over him, his fingertips twitched slightly, resisting the urge to punch him in front of Su Shiyu and Qin Zhao.
　　Su Shiyu had already walked into the corridor, and paused briefly in the motion of closing his umbrella, looking at Du Yue, “A’Yue, speak properly.”
“Cousin! You look really good!” Du Yue came up to him with a smile amongst his brows and eyes.
　　Su Shiyu laughed lightly, and turned again to Chu Mingyun bowing his head slightly: “Master Chu, I’ve made you wait.”
　　”Still okay.” Chu Mingyun looked to the outside, “Master Su, you actually came here alone?”
　　”It was originally my own intent to come, what would I bring others for?” Su Shiyu laughed while looking at him.
　　Chu Mingyun lifted his brows lightly, and laughed. “I was just asking.”
　　They followed Su Shiyu to sit at the table. The dishes and tea were served one by one, wafting off an inviting steam. Chu Mingyun soundlessly left the table, turning to a dark corner outside the corridor, asking: “How is it?”
　　The shadow guard said: “Master, the inside of the residence and the surroundings have already been completely checked, there’s no suspicious persons.”
　　”……” Chu Mingyun looked towards Su Shiyu who was currently talking to Du Yue in the receiving hall (T/N: think living room) with some befuddlement, scrunching his brows (frowning) slightly: “…….He actually really came alone.”
　　Su Shiyu suddenly turned his head to look over here as if he felt something, and just met Chu Mingyun’s gaze. Two pairs of eyes connecting their gaze, he didn’t react in time, yet Su Shiyu gave a bland smile, and turned his head to move his gaze away.
　　A crisp chilling wind holding the fragrance of plum blossoms drifted into the corridor, he was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice and instructed, “Got it, you can all be dismissed.”
　　
　　After they had finished dinner, the maidservants kept away the dinnerware (chopsticks and bowls), serving up the the warmed wine and kumquats, then all dismissed themselves, leaving the four of them to ring in the New Year.
　　The large main hall instantly felt rather spacious, and Du Yue cradled his cup and inched his way to sit by Su Shiyu’s side, making a ‘hehe’ laugh, “Cousin I’ll keep you company ah!”
　　Chu Mingyun rolled his eyes to the side, Qin Zhao lowered his eyes expressionlessly, completely unwilling to look over at that side. He (Chu Mingyun) laughed a low sound, and also shifted his seat near Su Shiyu, “Naturally he’ll be accompanied by me, how would it be your turn?”
　　The three other people on the scene looked at him in a bit of astonishment, whereas Chu Mingyun unhurriedly poured a cup of wine of Su Shiyu, slanting his gaze towards Qin Zhao, “What are you sitting so far away for?”
　　Qin Zhao readily took the hint, but deliberated for a moment, then followed and sat over there. The four of them sat gathered so closely around the brazier, making the main hall even emptier, Su Shiyu took shallow sips of wine, his gaze sweeping over Du Yue awkwardly sneaking looks at Qin Zhao’s expression, and he smiled wordlessly.
　　Du Yue stealthily reclaimed his gaze, sighed to himself subtly, then his attention fell on the cup, instantly exclaiming with dissatisfaction: “How come only mine is tea?”
　　Chu Mingyun said leisurely: “If you drink a lot of wine you won’t grow, you’re still small.”
　　Du Yue pointed at him while shaking, “F*ck……” Su Shiyu gave him a look and stiffly corrected himself, “…….After laboring for so long, it’s the New Year and you’re still suppressing me.” (T/N: Word joke here, 操 is slang for f*ck but 操劳 means laboring hahaha)
　　Su Shiyu took back his gaze and laughed: “Haven’t you always fallen after one cup, it’s also fine to drink tea.”
　　”How meaningless that would be ah,” Du Yue’s face scrunched, “Also cousin how many years has it been already, I’m not the same anymore now, it’s been a long time since one cup would put me under, if don’t believe me I’ll try and drink one to show you?”
　　Su Shiyu smiled, “I’ll just believe you.”
　　Du Yue choked up, shifting to face Chu Mingyun’s grinning look, and instantly felt discomfort. He finished his tea, and then quickly reached out to grab the winepot to pour out a full cup, tilting back to chug it, his motions completed in that momentum, then met Qin Zhao’s line of sight smugly, flashing his empty cup, “I told you it’ll be fine.”
　　Qin Zhao saw that his face was completely red, but his eyes were still clear, and didn’t know what to say for a moment. Du Yue then cheerfully filled another cup to the brim, looking at Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu while drinking it in one gulp, “I told you……” his voice paused, hand unconsciously losing its strength, and when his head tilted he fell on Qin Zhao who was next to him.
　　Qin Zhao hurriedly held him with one arm, and grabbed the cup with one hand to put it back on the table.
　　Chu Mingyun casually put his hand on Su Shiyu’s shoulder, tsking in lament: “Master Su, this cousin of yours truly didn’t lie, who knows how many years it’s been and yet he can still only tolerate a mouthful of wine.”
　　Su Shiyu didn’t pick up that conversation, silently pulling off his (Chu Mingyun’s) hand.
　　Qin Zhao lowered his head to look at Du Yue who was dizzily laying in his arms, and after a moment’s hesitation carefully carried him (T/N: it’s the princess carry position), “I’ll send him back to the house.” and didn’t wait for the other two to reply, directly rising to leave.
　　There was the faint bitter smell of medicinal herbs in the medicine hut, and the shadows from the lanterns were still. Qin Zhao leaned over to place Du Yue on the mattress, Du Yue suddenly gripped his lapel, dazedly mumbling while trying to open his eyes, “I can still……can still drink…….”
　　“En.” Qin Zhao rescued his lapel, “Sleep.”
　　”Huh?” Du Yue suddenly opened his eyes, looking at him in a stupor, “Qin Zhao? You’re finally not ignoring me.”
　　”I didn’t,” Qin Zhao said, and after thinking added, “How could I ignore you.”
　　
　　He vaguely remembered that that year it was also this sort of winter.
　　 After serial years of drought the whole family fled, and he had only slept a night in the Cangwu mountains (County in Wuzhou, Guangxi) along the way, and woke up to find that he had been abandoned. He understood, his elder brother could provide labour, his young brother was still being swaddled, so only he should be abandoned, he understood all of this.
　　At that time the snow weighted heavily on the mountain, the cold forests were covered with frost, his face was frostbitten to the point that the medicine saints would be at a loss to treat him, and he would never be able to form any sort of slight facial expression from then on.
　　He was both cold and hungry, but for no reason he still struggled to live on, so when he met Shige in the valley he lunged forward fiercely, and as a result naturally he was flipped in one movement to the ground and stepped on. Chu Mingyun always had a gloomy expression in his youth, and only after staring straight at him for a bit did he step off, “……So it’s a person.”
　　He struggled to get up but had no strength, and when he raised his eyes he saw a child rushing up to chase behind Chu Mingyun, “Surnamed Chu, if you don’t wait for me again I’ll lodge complaint with your Shifu!“
　　Chu Mingyun was silent, “Up to you.”
　　After that the child caught sight of him, his eyes brightened and he clumsily pulled him up, “You also came up the mountain to seek discipleship? Am I going to have a Shidi very soon ah?” The question in the latter half was directed at Chu Mingyun, but the other looked on coldly and didn’t speak.
　　As for him in the midst of the long, cold winter, he had finally contacted some warmth.
　　He never expected that a person all robed in blue could also be warm like the sun.
　　
　　His thoughts returning to the present, Qin Zhao lowered his voice and repeated, “……How could I ignore you.”
　　But he forgot Du Yue was drunk, and completely didn’t hear wha t he said, only fixed on pulling his sleeve and incoherently mumbling. Qin Zhao leaned in to hear it clearly, and froze slightly.
　　Du Yue’s voice was extremely light and soft, but said very earnestly: “……Sorry, Qin Zhao, sorry, I……I shouldn’t have scolded you like that, but before that you kept ignoring me. I know I’m wrong, Qin Zhao, I don’t dare to apologise to you, Qin Zhao, don’t be angry anymore……don’t be angry with me anymore……”
　　His volume gradually softened, opening his eyes a sliver before shutting them again, going into sleep completely.
　　The tip of his heart felt sour, and his throat felt choked up, Qin Zhao looked at him in silence, and after a long, long time, hesitatingly held his hand, and finally opened his mouth to whisper hoarsely: “Can you, not always look at him. I……”
　　I like you.
　　　

The author has something to say:
In the story the year has passed so I scattered some sugar and we’ll continue playing mind games again!

(T/N: This marks the start of Chu Mingyun digging a pit for himself. Yes, I think the emperor has a small crush on Shiyu that he is not conscious of. I was going to say stay tuned for LSWW extras but something bad happened so I can’t make any promises for the present moment. I just decided to finish translating this chapter to take my mind off things.)

1.银装素裹- a phrase describing an outdoors snowscape as simple and cleanly beautiful. Comes from the book《中国行: 记史沫特莱》.

　Over on the side of the official’s residence, the jailer released the man in the cell after receiving the order. The man immediately led the official guards to a hidden mansion in the city, and while rescuing the detained wife and children, he also unearthed a few other people who were involved in the case and did not escape in time. The people were taken back to prison for interrogation, and it took until the next day before they finally opened their mouths.
　　Immediately, a stack of letters and several iron seals of unknown function were also found from Su Xing’s residence. He checked it against the various correspondences one by one, and they were completely consistent with the facts of the cases explained by those accomplices. In the letter dating back the furthest among the stack of letters, contained words which clearly showed that Su Xing had already declared himself a subject to another party (T/N: he acknowledged someone else besides the emperor, and is a traitor). The signature on the letter had the seal of the King of Huainan, which could not be faked.
　　After reading the letter several times, Su Shiyu found that there seemed to be no flaw, but that added to his doubts.
　　It was expected that this murder case would be related to the previous incidents, and now that there are even witnesses and physical evidence, it can be said that it is unequivocal; it could be ascertained that King Huainan was leading everything behind the scenes. But if that was the case, then did that mean that his previous suspicions was just over-thinking, and Tan Jing’s words were not false, that all the facts had actually been set before him all clear and properly?
　　”Yu’er.” A familiar voice suddenly sounded out.
　　Su Shiyu returned to his senses, hesitated for a moment, but still turned around slowly.
　　A dignified woman was standing a few steps away, holding a little girl who was only six or seven years old. She looked straight at Su Shiyu, and then took the little girl, passing through the court filled with official guards searching the yard; and approached him one step at a time.
　　Su Shiyu narrowed his eyes, a faint smile on his face, and respectfully called: “Auntie.”
The woman stopped in front of him without saying a word, and then suddenly raised her hand and was about to fiercely land a slap, yet Su Shiyu’s remained still with his eyelids lowered.
　　But before she touched Su Shiyu, someone abruptly grasped by the wrist. She glared angrily at the blue-clad man who appeared suddenly. “Let go!”
　　Chu Mingyun smiled coldly: “Mrs. Su, you should think clearly about the consequences of insulting an official of the court carrying out the imperial edict.”
The woman’s eyes reddened in that instant and she was so angry her whole body trembled, “You let go of me! Let go!”
　　The little girl next to her didn’t know what had happened, but was frightened by this scene. Her little figure hurriedly tried to hold her (mother) back but failed, and so she changed direction and threw herself in front of Su Shiyu as if trying to protect him, softly pleading, “Mother, don’t hit! Don’t hit Gege!”
　　Su Shiyu hurriedly bent down to hold her, but the woman suddenly flung off Chu Mingyun’s hand as and pulled her back in a single grab, so Su Shiyu’s arms met empty space.
　　”Gege is good, don’t beat Gege ah mother!” She grabbed the lady’s sleeve cuff in a panic, almost crying.
　　Tears welling in the lady’s eyes, she squatted down and hugged her, turning her head to glare at Su Shiyu fiercely, but addressing her words to the daughter in her arms, “Ying’er, have you looked at him clearly? Where do you see anything of him that still resembles your brother (Gege)!”
　　Ying’er looked at blankly, “It is, Brother Shiyu (Shiyu Gege)…”
　　”He is not,” the lady gritted her teeth, “He is the enemy who killed your father, heartless and ungrateful¹!” She abruptly raised her voice, so sternly that everyone in the courtyard could hear clearly, “Su Shiyu! You’ve disowned your six kin², is your heart made of stone! You can even kill your own blood-related uncle, then you may as well kill the both of us too! Anyway, our entire family are now condemned criminals. What are you afraid of, do it!”
　　Su Shiyu said nothing for a long time, sighed very lightly, and turned around and walked into the house.
　　The lady got up and wanted to chase him, but the official guards quickly stopped her, she couldn’t fight them off, and after cursing a few times she fell into a kneel, holding her daughter and weeping mournfully.
　　Chu Mingyun followed in, watching Su Shiyu’s back and slowly pacing closer to him, and smiled: “You need me to hug you?”
　　Su Shiyu glanced sideways at him, “Is Master Chu still half-asleep from a nap?” Chu Mingyun laughed, looked down at the blood stains on the back of his hand, and let a drawn-out sigh: “Why is Master Su burdening himself as such? If you didn’t come over to investigate, and directly let the blame fall on me wouldn’t it be much easier, you’d not only get rid of your rival, you would also be able to preserve your blood relatives, and it wouldn’t have landed you a scolding like this.”
　　”Master Chu’s words are wrong,” Su Shiyu paused his sorting of the letters, with a flat tone but words forceful and eloquent, “So what if they are blood relatives, doing wrong is doing wrong.”
　　Chu Mingyun looked at him with amusement, then after a while shook his head and laughed, “You really are a stone.”

　　The case was wrapped up, and Chu Mingyun and Su Shiyu returned to Beijing to return to their duties.
　　Everyone was happy about this, the officials no longer had to cower in fear all day long. The civil servants of the entire court congratulated them, but their gaze when looking at Su Shiyu couldn’t help but become complicated. Even the idle gossip in the teahouses were filled with tongue clicking and sighs, about how the Grand Secretary was really impartial to the point of being cold-blooded.
　　However, Su Shiyu was unmoved by this, handling the case step by step, entering the palace carrying the verdict on the proposed crime, and submitted it to Li Yanzhen for his perusal.
　　After reading the memorial, Li Yanzhen looked at him helplessly, “Beloved Subject Su truly executes his public duties without involving private affairs as usual, and really intends to implicate himself.”
　　”This is how it should be.” Su Shiyu said lightly.
　　”Then We would have suffered a loss akin to one’s limb,” (T/N: This refers to losing his trusted aide if Su Shiyu were to be executed for the family crime.) Li Yanzhen put aside the memorial, “Since Su Xing committed suicide to avoid punishment for his crimes, why drag in his relatives. Besides, those who were ignorant of this have no sin. His family’s widow and orphaned daughters, should just be peacefully settled.”
　　”Your Majesty…”
　　”You just stop arguing with Us like last time,” Li Yanzhen waved his hand, “Time has stood witness to Beloved Subject’s loyalty, and Su Xing’s crime is his alone. We will never doubt you.”
　　Su Shiyu lowered his eyes and did not answer.
　　Li Yanzhen sighed, “Just consider it as repaying the loyalty of your Su family for several generations. So many people have died in the homicide case, the blood in this autumn is already heavy enough, why add to the killing.” Su Shiyu gave a bland smile, and didn’t speak any more, prostrating himself in thanks. He was about to say something, but he inexplicably thought of Su Xing’s words, fell silent for a while, and then suddenly asked, “Does Your Majesty have any questions about this memorial?”
　　”We have always been at ease when Beloved Subject Su handles matters, there is nothing to doubt.”
　　Su Shiyu raised his head and looked at Li Yanzhen’s delicate face, “Then does your Majesty have any thoughts on the king of Huainan?”
　　Li Yanzhen thought for a moment in embarrassment, but shook her head, “Regarding political affairs, I still have to continue troubling you, Beloved Subject. These things are truly hard for Us to decide.” He flipped through the memorial again and couldn’t help wondering, “Why do you not mention anything about King Huainan on here?”
　　The color in Su Shiyu’s eyes slightly darkened, as he stood up, pulled out another memorial from his sleeve and passed it over as per usual, “the minister was about when it comes to the matter.”
　　”The founding emperor (Taizu) bestowed many nobility titles while building the Xia empire, in order to protect the royal family and stabilise the borders, to maintain the peace of the new dynasty. But now a hundred years have passed, and circumstances have changed with the time that has passed. With the king of Huainan as head, the power of the nobility is expanding. Occupying lands over a thousand miles, living in lordly decadence, ganging up to resist imperial orders, they have already formed a threat. It is imperative to whittle .”
　　Li Yanzhen looked at the memorial in his hand, “The Grace Edict?”
　　”Exactly, order the titled princes (vassal kings) to divide their grace (meaning their military might and fiefdom) among their children, the eldest son inherits the title of prince, and the rest of the children get a divided part of the land as members of the gentry. The fiefdoms belong to the same county, and fall under the jurisdiction of their respective counties. It is ‘giving grace’ only in name, but in actuality is weakening the vassals’ political power.”
　　”However, there are provisions in the ancestral precepts that state future generations of descendants (including the emperor since he is Taizu’s descendant) shall not make any changes to the ancestral system…” Li Yanzhen hesitated.
“This subject naturally understands, so this is not wanting to get rid of the vassal kings completely, but to divide their political power, and reduce the threat they pose as much as possible.”
　　”But that is still making changes, and is damaging to their interests, will it really not spark a rebellion?”
　　Su Shiyu hung his head and said: “That’s why this subject didn’t make public the connection between this murder case and the king of Huainan.”
　　”…….What beloved subject has said, We don’t understand.”
　　”This string of murder cases might be a heavy loss to the court, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also become an opportunity, it just depends how you use it. At this time if we directly implicate the king of Huainan and announce his crimes to the public, then to the dominant nobility, it might have meagre effectiveness, and only alert the snake in the grass. We’ve just entered the season of winter, it’s inconvenient to travel by horse or carriage, and the court is currently laden with duties, this puts us at a disadvantage. Moreover the Su Xing case has just been concluded, the other party may unfortunately be put on guard. So why not wait for the year to end, and then the king of Huainan might let down his guard, and then this subject can represent the emperor as the Grand Secretary to monitor and hunt the nobles. (When I go) to the fiefdoms as an ambassador, the nobility are obliged to welcome (me) at the border. At that time we can take the opportunity to arrest the king of Huainan, and bring him back to Chang’an to announce his crimes, and then Your Majesty can use that as an excuse to whittle down the political power of other nobility.”
　　Li Yanzhen deliberated for a moment, then looked at Su Shiyu again, “Then we’ll proceed as Beloved Subject suggests.”
　　The discussion was finished, so Su Shiyu made his greeting and left. When he stepped out of the Imperial study, he lifted his eyes and noticed someone walking this way, with a prettily-powdered face, and light, swaying steps. Based on this impression it was likely the currently-favored First-Rank Concubine Jiang who entered the palace during the recent Imperial Selection (where they pick girls for the harem). They exchanged greetings, and (Su Shiyu) left.
　　But at Su Shiyu’s back, Jiang Yuan paused in her steps, turned her eyes to look at his back silhouette, with an expression obscuring unknown intent, until a palace maid lightly called out in reminder, which she then let out a soft laugh, turned and entered the Imperial Study.
　　
　　As soon as Su Shiyu stepped into the mansion, a blue-clad figure rushed up.
　　”Cousin you’re finally back! I tell you, don’t be sad ah, you……aiy why are you looking at me like that?”
　　Su Shiyu turned his head to confirm that he hadn’t entered the wrong place, then looked at Du Yue, “Why have you suddenly come?”
　　”The thing with Uncle Su Xing……I also heard about it.” Du Yue said firmly, “But you don’t worry, I definitely don’t blame you, that’s Uncle’s own fault, Cousin you also had no choice.”
　　Su Shiyu laughed lightly, and went into the mansion with him, “A few years have passed, and A’Yue has become a lot more sensible.”
　　”I’ve clearly always been very sensible.” Du Yue felt his heart blossom from the praise, then paused, and remembered what he came here for, and quickly changed to a serious tone, “Cousin, how come you don’t look unhappy?”
　　”There’s nothing to be happy or unhappy about, once things have passed then that’s that.” Su Shiyu smiled and glanced at him, “Could it be, you came wanting to see me cry?”
　　Du Yue thought about how Su Shiyu would look while crying, and realised he wasn’t able to imagine it, “Cousin now that you say that I kind of want to see it……”
　　Su Shiyu gave him a look, Du Yue quickly corrected himself, “Ah not that, aren’t I just worrying about you, so I just told Qin Zhao and that one surnamed Chu, that I’ve come to stay for a few days and keep you company here.”
　　Su Shiyu was slightly surprised, “Qin Zhao agreed?”
　　Du Yue’s face suddenly no longer had enthusiasm, “He didn’t ah, don’t know what’s up with him, wouldn’t agree even if he lives or dies.”
　　”And then?”
　　”And then…….and then I quarreled with him bei,” (T/N: this is one of those informal speech sounds)
Du Yue shook his head, “Actually it’s not considered quarreling, he didn’t even speak up, just damn stubborn. So I just directly ran over here, I didn’t even take the clothes I packed Cousin you have spares here right, Su Bai’s is fine too.” (T/N: Yes he said that in one breath)
　　Su Shiyu looked at his flighty gaze, laughing helplessly, and didn’t continue questioning him.
　　Du Yue also stopped talking in silence, hung his head for a long while and sighed heavily.
　　He just didn’t understand why Qin Zhao would have such a big reaction to something this naturally logical, but now after calming down he realised he had also been a bit too much, but if he ran back now that also wouldn’t be right ah, then, then let’s wait a few days before finding an opportunity to apologize, after all what he said at very end was honestly excessive….

——“Qin Zhao, what’s the matter with you ah?! Even my mother doesn’t watch over me like this, I can go wherever the hell I like, is that something you can control?”
　　

Chu Mingyun hailed down maidservant in passing, and while looking at Qin Zhao who stood unmoving in the hall, asked: “How long has he been standing there?”
　　The maidservant replied respectfully: “Ever since Medicine master Du left he has not moved, it has likely been four hours already.”
　　Chu Mingyun nodded, and walked over, looking for a while at Qin Zhao who stood wordlessly with his eyes lowered, and said after thinking for a bit: “Shidi, if you don’t eat dinner I’m not waiting for you.”
　　Qin Zhao looked at him expressionlessly, and didn’t say anything.
　　Chu Mingyun laughed with incomprehensible intent, and tilted his head to give him a measuring look, “Ice-block face, what are you standing here for, are you waiting for Du Yue to run back?”
　　Qin Zhao tightened the seam of his lips, clenching his fists.
　　”Ke,” Chu Mingyun let out a low mocking laugh, and the smile on his face was hidden away, saying in a cold voice, “You said you wouldn’t force him, then why aren’t you able to let him go? As long as he doesn’t understand how you feel, then this definitely won’t be the last time.”
　　Qin Zhao’s eyes darkened, and said hoarsely, “Shi…..”
　　Chu Mingyun turned and walked away, “I’m hungry.”
　　”……”
　　Qin Zhao again looked outside the empty gate where there wasn’t a single person, before finally stepping to follow Chu Mingyun.

———–

This author has something to say:
The Grace Edict is based off the laws passed during Hanwu Emperor’s time. The purpose is to weaken the power of the titled princes (different surname kings) and nobility, and stipulate that after the death of the princes, the eldest son will inherit the throne, and the other children will divide part of the land of the kingdom into the princes and princes, each falling under jurisdiction of the respective counties.
Coincidentally, when confirming my information, I found that the background of the Han Dynasty promulgation was related to the rebellion of the king of Huainan during Emperor Wen, and it was the Grand Secretary who later ruled the case of king of Huainan. Perhaps the Grand Secretary and the king of Huainan had a bit of conflict . Reference to Liu Bang’s arrest of Han Xin, who was king at the time, at the border.
Finally, can you guess whether this king of Huainan is the big boss→_→

2.六亲不认- to be unfeeling; not spare personal feelings