There are no secrets that won’t eventually be exposed.
Within just a night or two, the phrase “Nan Huaiyi is worthy” spoken by Xie Caiqing at Yixian Tower spread like wildfire among examinees and half the city. Curious gossipmongers soon dug up everything about Xie Caiqing’s past.
Great Ning was prosperous, and its citizens lived in peace. With such comforts, people naturally indulged in gossip.
Xie Caiqing’s “glorious” reputation of passing the imperial exam at fifteen but abandoning further examinations, combined with his unparalleled looks, made him an instant sensation throughout the capital. Tea houses and taverns buzzed with his name.
In a teahouse, a ragged scholar slapped five copper coins onto the table. “I’m betting on Xie Caiqing! Has there ever been a fifteen-year-old scholar before? Maybe not! But a magistrate unfastening his belt for someone? In all of Great Ning’s hundreds of years, he’s the only one! And that was Qian Haozheng—there’s no way it was faked!”
“So what?” someone betting on Zhang Ninghan sneered. “If we’re talking about solid foundations, can he really compete with Zhang Ninghan? Haven’t people already dug up that he lost both parents and never even attended a private school? Does he have a famous teacher guiding him? Any works to his name? Zhang Ninghan does!”
The scholar bristled. “He’s only eighteen! Zhang Ninghan is already twenty-three!”
“Yeah, eighteen—but do you think he’s like Nan Ruo’s Duan Wang at eighteen? Now that was a true talent! Sure, Xie Caiqing looks better, but the imperial exams aren’t some beauty pageant. Do you think the emperor is picking a consort?”
“Exactly! Xie Caiqing is too young. Give him a few more years, maybe. But he doesn’t even have a family background, let alone a patron.”
The scholar’s face flushed as he argued, “There are still a few days left! He could still apprentice under some official—it’s not impossible!”
The group betting on Zhang Ninghan, the favored candidate from the Qizhang family, laughed mockingly. They looked at the poor scholars across from them with disdain.
“Young Master Zhang already said it—this year’s top scorer is his for the taking. Wake up! Stop pinning your useless dreams on Xie Caiqing. Do you even know who’s backing Zhang Ninghan? If Xie Caiqing wants a patron…”
The speaker’s tone turned sarcastic. “He’d have to join the household of the Lord Commander himself to have any chance of finding someone more powerful than Zhang Ninghan’s backer!”
The crowd erupted in laughter.
“You—!” The scholar’s face turned red with anger.
Even provincial officials knew that the Changling Guard Commander, Xie Zhe, was the only favorite who had stood by the Emperor’s side for years. He shut his doors to visitors, avoided forming factions, took in no students, made no friends, and never engaged in political struggles—his sole loyalty was to the Emperor.
He was the most famous solitary minister of the era. Though officially second-rank, even first-rank officials made way for his carriage and greeted him with excessive politeness, afraid to offend him.
Suggesting that Xie Caiqing should seek out the Commander’s patronage was nothing but open ridicule.
The argument was about to escalate when someone suddenly came running up the stairs, panting, and grabbed the stair railing with exaggerated urgency. “Xie Caiqing has gone to visit the Commander!!”
The teahouse fell silent for a second.
Then, a burst of raucous laughter shook the building.
“You actually called it! Hahaha!”
“Classic naïveté from Junzhou folks! He doesn’t even understand the Commander’s temperament and still dared to go? Talk about a calf unafraid of the tiger!”
“I’m going to tell Young Master Zhang and earn myself a reward!”
….
Xie Caiqing visiting the Commander caused an even bigger stir than his controversial remark at the Teahouse two days ago.
Many curious onlookers gathered near the Commander’s residence.
Ru Shi, carrying a bundle for Jiang Huaichu, stood behind him. Feeling the strange glances from the crowd, he frowned and asked in a low voice, “Shall I have someone get rid of them?”
Jiang Huaichu: “…”
Jiang Huaichu turned to look at the tall, silent man behind him, who had just made the suggestion with a completely serious expression. His voice was warm as he replied, “No need. If I manage to get inside, just head back first.”
Ru Shi frowned even more. “I won’t be at ease if you go in alone.”
The informants had reported that Xiao Yun had gone straight to Xie Zhe’s residence after court that morning and was inside right now. Since the Little Wangye had offended Xiao Yun just yesterday, Ru Shi couldn’t possibly feel at ease letting him go in alone.
“Relax. If he really wanted me dead, he wouldn’t have bothered sending me a jade pendant—it’s too much trouble.” Jiang Huaichu gave him a reassuring look and smiled slightly. “Besides, I’m here to visit the Commander, not the Emperor. Given his position, he won’t agree to see me.”
Ru Shi hesitated for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
The gatekeeper had already taken in the visiting card. While they waited, Ru Shi deliberated and lowered his voice again. “If you can’t see Xie Zhe, many high-ranking officials in Great Ning owe Miluo favors—or we have leverage on them. I sorted through everything last night. If you give me the Young Lord command token, I can approach them privately. Whether they want to help or not, they’ll have no choice…”
“Wait a little longer,” Jiang Huaichu cut him off.
The more people involved, the greater the risk.
If Xie Caiqing could solve this, Jiang Huaichu had no intention of stepping in.
Ru Shi still looked uncertain.
The Commander’s refusal to meet visitors was an unbroken rule for years. Two days ago, when Jiang Huaichu had mentioned visiting Xie Zhe, Ru Shi had already explained everything, yet he still insisted on going. Ru Shi then suggested preparing a lavish gift, but Jiang Huaichu had refused.
Today, aside from a deliberately damaged qin he had brought on purpose, Jiang Huaichu carried nothing else.
And he had come to visit the esteemed second-rank imperial favorite, the Commander of the Changling Guard, just like that…
Ru Shi swallowed back any ill-timed remarks.
Jiang Huaichu stood before the tightly closed gates, his robes fluttering in the spring breeze.
….
At the same time, inside the Commander’s residence…
Xie Zhe pressed his palm against his forehead, holding a black Go piece in his other hand. It hovered in midair for a long time, his expression contemplative.
Xiao Yun, waiting impatiently, grabbed a piece of wishful cake from the tray held by a nearby servant, took a bite, and, seeing Xie Zhe still unmoving, grumbled, “Are you going to keep dawdling? At this rate, you’re going to wear that chess piece down to nothing. If you stall any longer, I’ll be full before you even make a move.”
“…” Xie Zhe stopped his unconscious habit of rubbing the chess piece and reluctantly placed it in what he deemed an acceptable but still unsatisfactory spot.
Xiao Yun casually grabbed a white piece and placed it down almost instantly.
Xie Zhe’s brow furrowed immediately. He picked up another piece, unconsciously repeating his previous habit.
“…” Xiao Yun chuckled in disbelief. “You act like losing this game is going to cost you money. Can’t you play a little more freely? You always say ‘no regrets after a move,’ but before you even place a stone, you’ve already regretted it in your head a dozen times over, haven’t you?”
“……” Xie Zhe’s face flushed slightly. “Your Majesty, it’s not like I’m hunting or practicing archery with you. Chess is meant to be played slowly—the most enjoyable part is immersing oneself in the thought process.”
“You think I’m ruining your fun?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” Xie Zhe said the words, but he still let out a quiet sigh.
The Emperor learned everything quickly and did everything swiftly, thinking as fast as the wind and acting like thunder. Though he wasn’t particularly fond of slow-paced chess games, there was no denying that his chess skills were exceptional.
He played chess as if he were waging war—charging ahead, fighting fiercely, making mistakes without regret. He was so fast that it hardly seemed like he was playing chess at all.
If he played like this on his own, that would be one thing, but he also loved to urge, urge, urge, and urge again.
It made Xie Zhe incredibly anxious—he couldn’t play well if he moved, but not moving wasn’t an option either.
And when the Emperor wasn’t urging him, he was either snacking or pacing back and forth, unable to sit still for even a moment, making it impossible for Xie Zhe to focus.
The Emperor could even play chess while listening to eunuchs read out official reports. One moment, he would be discussing a move with Xie Zhe, and the next, he would suddenly turn to the eunuch and say, “That official—tell him to get lost!” And then all Xie Zhe could think about was, That official—tell him to get lost!
And yet, despite all this, the Emperor still never fell behind in the game.
…Truly, those who achieve greatness must be extraordinarily gifted.
Xie Zhe felt a mix of emotions. Just as he was about to make his move, the doorman entered quietly. With the Emperor present, he dared not lift his head and instead stood respectfully at the entrance, waiting for permission to speak.
“What’s the matter?” Xie Zhe asked immediately, unable to hide his eagerness.
Xiao Yun scoffed. “You’re that eager to stop playing with me?”
“……” Xie Zhe kept a straight face and looked at the doorman. “Speak.”
Xiao Yun waved his hand dismissively as well.
Only then did the doorman lower his gaze, step forward to the chess table, and present a visiting card. “Xie Caiqing from the Western City of Junzhou seeks an audience.”
Xiao Yun, in the middle of picking up a chess piece, suddenly froze. He looked surprised. “He’s actually come to see you? Quite bold for a newcomer.”
Clicking his tongue, he let out a rare look of interest.
Having weathered countless storms, there were few things left in the world that could genuinely intrigue him. A curiosity like this was not easily come by.
Xie Zhe was also momentarily stunned. This name had been appearing rather frequently in recent days. One had to admit, being memorable was a remarkable talent in itself—even the Emperor, who often forgot yesterday’s events by today, recognized him instantly.
Xiao Yun smirked. “Ambitious, isn’t he? Setting his sights on the Commander. Well, we’ll see if he’s got what it takes.”
Xie Zhe understood the Emperor well—he never looked down on people, nor did he mind ambition, but what he despised was those with great ambition but no skill to match.
Silently, Xie Zhe glanced at the man sitting across from him.
Xiao Yun leaned back lazily. “Pretend I’m not here. Handle this as you see fit. If he actually manages to get in, I’ll graciously make room for him.”
“…Understood, Your Majesty.”
Xie Zhe accepted the visiting card from the doorman.
The doorman added considerately, “I’ve checked—there’s nothing hidden in it.”
In the past, visiting cards often contained thin slips of gold or silver hidden between the pages.
Xie Zhe quietly breathed a sigh of relief on Xie Caiqing’s behalf. If he had tried to bribe someone right under the Emperor’s nose, it would have been like handing the Emperor a knife to use against him.
Xie Zhe returned the card and said calmly, “Tell him I don’t receive visitors. It’s nothing personal—just a rule. He should leave, and take his gifts back with him.”
The doorman hesitated slightly, standing in place.
Xie Zhe frowned. “What is it?”
The doorman coughed lightly. “…He didn’t bring any gifts.”
Even Xiao Yun, who had started reviewing reports, looked up in shock.
Xie Zhe was speechless for a long moment. “He came to visit me?! Empty-handed?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized something sounded off—it almost made it seem like he was demanding gifts from Xie Caiqing.
It was just that everyone who came to visit him in the past had always brought lavish gifts worth at least a thousand taels.
Xie Caiqing had clearly come to seek his help—yet he had arrived empty-handed.
The doorman explained, “He asked me to pass on a message…”
Sensing the Emperor’s growing curiosity, the doorman swallowed nervously before continuing, “He said that while money is of great importance to others, to you, my lord, it’s nothing more than scrap metal. You’ve seen and used the finest treasures—why would he bring you something you neither need nor want, only to waste your valuable time receiving him?”
Xie Zhe was momentarily taken aback.
The reasoning was novel, yet precise—it pinpointed what he had long found tiresome.
From his position, as long as he wished, silver would flow to him endlessly. There was no need to take bribes he found worthless, waste his energy handling affairs for others, and risk his reputation or the Emperor’s trust.
“Then what useful thing did he bring me?” Xie Zhe asked, a faint smirk on his lips.
The doorman hesitated for a moment before answering with an incredibly awkward expression, “He… didn’t bring anything. He does have a request, though. He said… his qin is broken, and he would like you… to help repair it.”
Xiao Yun, who had just lowered his head, looked up in shock again.
Xie Zhe was skilled in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He had a steady temperament, preferred peace and quiet, and often enjoyed tending to these arts. He was also highly skilled at repairing qin.
But no one had ever dared to ask him to do it.
“……” Even the ever-composed Xie Zhe struggled to maintain his expression. Taking a deep breath, he gritted his teeth. “What kind of game is he playing?”
“He said that he is simply requesting your help in repairing his qin. If you choose to refuse, it would be seen as a master declining to assist a junior—not as a rejection of a bribe or favor. The people would praise your integrity. Since he is not here as a guest, you would not be breaking your rule of refusing visitors.”
Xie Zhe’s expression subtly shifted.
His refusal to receive guests was not due to arrogance or a desire for isolation—it was a calculated choice. By refusing alliances and dependencies, he had gained the trust of one person.
He had remained in power for years because he understood that political struggles were meaningless. The Emperor alone held the power to grant or take away everything. As long as he pleased the Emperor, his path to success would remain open.
The Emperor was the loneliest man in the world, and he only trusted those who, like him, stood alone. Not those who sought to build factions and expand their influence.
He isn’t someone who avoids contention—rather, he retreats to advance.
A fleeting hint of surprise crossed Xiao Yun’s face.
Xie Caiqing had truly considered everything for Xie Zhe.
Xie Zhe hadn’t expected an eighteen-year-old scholar from Junzhou to see through the intricacies of the situation and clear the obstacle preventing him from receiving guests. His expression softened slightly, though he still grumbled, “First, he says my time is precious, and then he asks me to waste it fixing his qin. Isn’t that contradictory? Why should I help him?”
Xiao Yun cast Xie Zhe a sidelong glance, his expression amused as he stifled a chuckle.
He was interested. Otherwise, why ask at all? If he had no intention of seeing the man, he would have simply ordered the servant to send him away.
Asking in this manner was just his way of venting frustration. The real issue wasn’t the request—it was that the man hadn’t brought anything, leaving Xie Zhe at a loss.
The doorkeeper coughed lightly and said, “He said that wealth is easy to come by, but your laughter is rare. The rich may have food and clothing in abundance, but their worries are many, and true joy is scarce. You lack nothing—except happiness. He… he can make you happy.”
