Translator: ayszhang
Editor: Marcia
Beta reader: Dairytea
Spring Once More chapter 32
(Traditional Chinese cover scanned by Dairytea)
Chapter Thirty-two
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Spring Once More by ayszhang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Why does Fu Qingshu have to come on my business trip?
So I ask the emperor, “The young marquess is but the
future heir of Marquess Anguo, a martial official above all. He has no hand in
the annual tribute, has he?”
“It wasn’t I but Empress Mother and the consort
dowager,” he explains while rubbing his forehead.
Princess Yong’an chose the li’l marquess out of the
three candidates. The emperor was satisfied, and the empress was satisfied, but
the princess’ own mother was not – the consort dowager only had her daughter in
mind. She disliked that Fu Qingshu is from a martial background. Marquess Anguo
holds great military power, so if the situation at the frontiers becomes dire,
he must lead troops into battle. If he fights, she becomes a virtual widow; if
he dies, she becomes a true widow; and if he survives with injuries and
handicaps, she needs to take care of him for the rest of her life. After
considering the possibilities, she went to the empress dowager for a favour so
that the emperor might grant a civil position to Fu Qingshu.
“Only accomplishments warrant a position,” concludes
the emperor fanning himself on the throne. “Incidentally, Prince Ren and Prince
Kang gave us a marvellous idea to send him with you so that we may grant him a
position in the Ministry of Justice or Rites.”
“My dear
brother,” I chuckle dryly, “does the possibility of relapse not concern you? It
might be inappropriate for the young marquess to travel with me lest I tarnish
his name.”
I had to pull this card! This is so sad!
The emperor shuts his fan and props his chin up with a
grin. “Empress Mother and our fellow brothers have all commended your new
comportment. The seriousness of the issue is evident to you.”
For some reason, my knees feel weak.
“May I bring personnel from my manor on this trip?”
Godammit it’s just a corruption investigation! Bring it on!
The emperor twirls the fan in his hand. “Who do you
wish to bring?” His glance makes me uncertain.
“None other than Su Yanzhi in my manor,” I answer
politely.
His brows twitch. “Oh, Su Yanzhi. We heard that you
have been reorganizing your household. Last time you brought him back after the
investigation, so perhaps you plan to take him back this time. So be it. As
long as you keep things quiet and covert, you may bring whomever.”
Standing below, I can do nothing but express my
gratitude to my emperor brother and excuse myself.
Xiao-Shun
and Xiao-Quan have learned from
experience what to expect after I visit the palace. As soon as my butt touches
a seat, Xiao-Shun comes to me and
probes gingerly, “Milord, have you any commands?”
I give him a look of approval. “Go pack some of my
belongings. I have affairs in the South.” Xiao-Shun
leaves with his task. Then I turn to Xiao-Quan.
“Go fetch Master Su and bring him to the library for me.” But then after a
quick thought, I change my mind. “Never mind, I will go myself.”
The eastern courtyard staff sends word that Master Su
is in the library, so once again I see him there. He’s flipping through some
pages when I bring up the issue straightforwardly.
“Master Su, the emperor asked me to investigate
corruption in the Jianghuai region. I’d like to invite you along, if you would
be so kind.”
As expected, he gladly consents. I
bring my fists together. “Then I’ll be counting on you.”
Since it’s an official trip, the
money is coming from the pockets of the state. I guess the treasury is not
doing too well these days because the emperor is super stingy. The supposed
imperial warriors look as if they haven’t had a full meal in three months,
their faces droopy and dark. Not that I mind too much. These guys are on a
mission to protect me in the dark. Since we won’t be travelling together, I won’t
lose any face as the imperial appointed investigator. But when I learn of my
mode of transport, I become downright furious – a used carriage pulled by two
mules!
But the emperor says he allotted the
mules for a purpose. Word is going around in the court that the emperor is
sending someone to investigate the situation of the annual tribute in the
Jianghuai region, and those local officials are sure to plant eyes and ears
along the state highway and points of entry and exit. If I were to ride in with
a glamorous carriage and shiny horses, I would be recognized immediately.
Prince Ren comes to see me off. “Look
at this, Ol’ Seven. Our brother, His Majesty, is so thoughtful. He knows the
roads between the rivers Huang and Huai are not peaceful, so he made sure that
you travel with light baggage. This way you won’t be taken hostage by bandits.
You see these two mules? We had to search high and low in the palace to find
them! Mules are a rare commodity in that place!”
On the first day of the fifth lunar
month, I set off for Jianghuai, rickety and rackety in that shitty carriage, accompanied
by Master Su.
Waiting on us are only Zhong-shu and Xiao-Shun. The old butler drives while the boy serves us. We
arranged to meet the li’l marquess at a lookout point a little ways outside the
capital. The noisy carriage climbs its way up the hill. I push the curtains
apart and get out to see Fu Qingshu approaching from the base of a tree. We
bring our fists together in greeting, and I flash a smile.
“Brother Fu, let us have an agreeable
journey.”
Fu Qingshu takes a look at the
carriage and mules, his lips jerking. He packed lightly as well, only bringing
one servant boy with him. Two people, two horses. I glance at the two handsome
steeds being led by the servant. What the hell is this? The servant rides a
horse while the prince drives a mule?!
Fu Qingshu looks up at the sky. “The
hour is late. We should hurry along, Your Highness. Please.”
He takes a whip from the servant and
is about to jump on his horse when his eyes suddenly narrow in on the carriage.
I follow his gaze. Xiao-Shun is standing to the side
holding the curtain for me. Fu Qingshu’s lips jerk upward a little as he peeks
in.
“I see Your Highness has brought
along a trusty counselor.” His volume is just enough to ride the wind and reach
the person inside.
Head lowered, Master Su steps out and
brings his fists together, greeting the marquess from afar. “Su Yanzhi, in the
presence of Your Lordship.”
“You may forego the etiquette.” Fu
Qingshu nods. “So this is the eminent Master Su. It’s a pleasure.”
His
brows arch, and he shoots me a glance before jumping onto his horse.
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Dairytea:
Master Su: "Su Yanzhi, in the presence of Your Lordship."
Fu Qingshu: "So this is the eminent Master Su. It's a pleasure."
MC: ??? (Lol.)
Spring Once More by ayszhang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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