Chu Fu stood facing the wall, his heart filled with deep confusion.
He wondered whether his clan could continue to endure.
As a scion of a prominent family well-versed in court politics, Chu Fu held a deeply pessimistic view of the future.
Judging by its phrasing, this proclamation likely had some connection to Chu Sui. In the early years of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the restrictions on the imperial family were not as strict as they are now. There had once been a vassal prince who raised troops in rebellion. At that time, the Emperor, because a certain court official had relatives serving under the rebel prince, executed the official’s entire family and displayed their bodies in the market. The current emperor had long been reputed among court ministers as suspicious and ruthless. Even if she were to arrest them all, it would not be surprising.
Furthermore, since the mother of the person in question, Chu Sui, came from a collateral branch of the Cui family, if she had indeed pledged allegiance to the rebels, even Cui Xinjing far in the Western Tribes could be affected.
As the uncle remained silent, the nephew dared not speak either. The servants, aware that their master was engaged in a private conversation indoors, kept a respectful distance. At that moment, inside and outside the mansion, all was quiet. Amidst the silence, Chu Xi suddenly heard faint commotion from afar, causing him some surprise.
The servants here were mostly hereditary retainers of the family, accustomed to acting with restraint and propriety. Even in the face of unexpected events, they would not likely panic unduly. For such a situation to arise, there must have been an unforeseen incident that they could not handle.
The clamor did not last long, and the outside soon returned to its usual tranquility. Yet, Chu Xi could no longer remain seated calmly. He hurriedly offered a quick bow to his uncle and went out to investigate the situation.
It was already winter, and although it was not yet the hour of You, the sky had already grown dim. Being newly surrendered, they lived modestly in their daily lives, using no honey wax or similar luxuries, and few lamps were lit in the courtyard. Relying only on the faint light that spilled from the rooms, Chu Xi made his way quickly to the front courtyard.
In the front courtyard, the gate that had remained closed since he resigned and returned home was now open. A round-faced man holding a horn lantern stood there. When Chu Xi saw his face, he immediately understood why the clamor had arisen. This man was not only the Right Vice Commissioner, deeply trusted by the Emperor, but also a Cavalier Attendants-in-Ordinary.
While the task of investigating rebels in the capital was said to be overseen by Yan Xiaolou, the City Bureau was also involved. Once suspects were discovered, they were neither sent to the Grand Court of Revision nor the Ministry of Justice. Instead, they were directly detained in the Oblique Dungeon under the inner official system to await trial. Zhang Luo was responsible for this matter. Recently, he had gained a reputation for ruthlessness. Regardless of the suspects’ origins – whether commoners, servants, court officials, or children of prominent families – he treated them all equally. Among them were even juniors of the Jianzhou Li Clan. Their family members had once argued on principle that the City Bureau’s actions were unlawful. Zhang Luo brushed them off with the excuse of exigent circumstances, then dragged people from their homes on the grounds that the Li Clan had hoarded weapons and resisted the law. Upon hearing this, the scholar-official families grew uneasy, fearing that their own doors might one day be broken down by this man.
If Zhang Luo had come in person today, could it be that the Emperor had finally decided to take action against the Chu Clan?
Just as Chu Xi was about to step forward, he suddenly sensed something amiss. Given Zhang Luo’s current status, whenever he traveled, minor officials naturally assisted him with lanterns… There was no need for him to personally handle such menial tasks. At this thought, he saw Zhang Luo stop in his tracks, then turn his body slightly and bow toward the center.
Behind Zhang Luo stood the Left Vice Commissioner Chi, also holding a lantern.
Though both men had risen from the ranks of inner officials, their daily responsibilities involved participation in central government affairs, and they were even consulted by the Emperor for advice. As a result, their authority grew more prominent day by day. Only a few high-ranking ministers like Yuan Yanshi were occasionally privileged enough to be escorted a few steps by them.
Chi Yi and Zhang Luo stood solemnly to the side, and moments later, the silhouette of a young person emerged from behind the mansion gate.
The evening breeze swept through in waves, shaking snowflakes from the clouds, which settled on the cloak of the figure at the entrance. On the smooth satin surface of their dark cloak, silver threads embroidered patterns of auspicious clouds and cranes, evoking the image of flowing water as they moved. After the newcomer entered, two rows of guards in martial attire emerged silently from the darkness like shadows, quietly standing guard around them.
By the standards of the era’s prominent aristocratic families, the visitor’s attire could not be considered particularly lavish, nor was their entourage extravagant or flamboyant. Yet, there was an indescribable aura of solemnity and elegance about them.
This person did not announce their name. Even though Chu Xi’s household had servants and guards present, not one dared to step forward to stop them.
The advisors hurried over upon hearing the news, only to see the head of the family standing motionless in the courtyard like a wooden sculpture. After gathering his wits, he did not ask the visitor’s identity but immediately bowed in greeting, his wide sleeves sweeping the ground. The person in the dark cloak merely gave a slight nod and said, “This is a private visit. There is no need for formalities.”
The speaker’s voice was clear and bright, yet unmistakably sharp, indicating youthfulness.
At this moment, the advisors dared not look too closely either. They knelt directly on the veranda, their foreheads nearly touching the ground. Moments later, they heard footsteps moving toward the courtyard. After a while, the visitor spoke again, “Is it only you at home today?”
The tone sounded as if speaking to a junior, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
While chatting casually with Chu Xi, Wen Yanran glanced around the residence before them.
After arriving in the capital, the Chu Clan had maintained a low profile. Most clansmen who came with the patriarch lived in the outskirts of the city, while only one residence was purchased within the city for junior members with official positions. They dared not draw attention in their daily affairs. Although this residence was modest in size and had few servants, it appeared orderly enough. Yet, the sparse plants and flowers, the lack of paved stone bricks on the ground, and the abundance of gravel and moss lent it an unkempt air.
Chu Xi kept his hands respectfully at his sides and replied, “My uncle is also at home. He is currently in the inner quarters.”
Wen Yanran nodded carelessly at his words.
The path was not as smooth as the palace grounds. An attendant supported the Emperor’s arm as they proceeded into the residence. Zhang Luo deliberately fell a couple of steps behind and addressed the servants cheerfully, “Go about your duties. There’s no need for everyone to stand in the courtyard.”
While Wen Yanran was conversing with Chu Xi, the news of an “honored guest’s arrival” had already been relayed to the inner quarters. By the time she leisurely arrived, Chu Fu himself was already standing in the backyard, respectfully awaiting her.
Wen Yanran glanced at Zhang Luo, who bowed slightly and stopped at the middle gate with most of the guards and attendants. Only Chi Yi and Chen Fu followed the Emperor as she walked forward.
“I have long heard that you excel in calligraphy. Today, write a piece for me.”
Chu Fu asked, “What would Your Majesty like it to say?”
Wen Yanran had only mentioned it casually. Hearing his question, she pondered seriously for a moment and ended up playfully using her own name for the joke. “Then write the four characters, ‘Si Hai Yan Ran’ (peace and tranquility across the land).”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Many customs of the Great Zhou Dynasty differed from those of previous dynasties. Shortly after its founding, the practice of avoiding the sovereign’s name taboo was abolished. Nevertheless, court ministers still refrained from casually mentioning the ruler’s name. Had Wen Yanran not suggested it herself today, Chu Fu would never have dared to write these two characters together on paper.
After receiving the command, Chu Fu naturally went to the room to prepare paper and grind ink.
A faint fragrance lingered in the room, as if someone had recently burned incense. Chi Yi gently closed the door, and for a moment, the room fell into quiet stillness.
Writing four characters naturally did not take long. Once the ink dried, Chu Fu respectfully presented the paper to the Emperor with both hands. Wen Yanran examined it for a moment before suddenly saying, “Minister Chu.”
Chu Fu bowed slightly. “Here.”
Although the Chu Clan had surrendered as a whole, Chu Fu himself had never taken up an official post and remained an ordinary commoner to this day.
Wen Yanran set the paper down and smiled. “Lately, rumors in the city have been swirling, many involving the former subordinates of the Marquis of Quanling…”
Upon hearing these words, Chu Fu’s heart jolted, and his entire body felt as if submerged in an endless icy abyss.
In the Great Zhou Dynasty, many officials, upon committing an offense, were not imprisoned or formally tried. Instead, hints were often conveyed, and they would take their own lives. Chu Fu thought hazily that the Emperor’s words were naturally admonishing him not to cling to life. In truth, he should have followed the Marquis of Quanling long ago. To do so now could hardly be called “loyalty.”
Just as this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly heard the Emperor continue,
“In truth, I know well that Minister Chu does not doubt me. There is no need for such measures. However, you have been in the capital for so many days, and I have yet to visit your residence. Today, I took the liberty of coming uninvited to see how you are faring.”
Wen Yanran’s clear gaze rested directly on him. Chu Fu was stunned for a moment before he could be sure that what the young emperor had just said truly was, “Minister Chu does not doubt me.”
There was no hidden meaning or irony – it was her genuine intent.
Wen Yanran’s eyes swept the surroundings before settling on the incense sticks that had not yet been put away. She picked up three, lit them, and inserted them into the incense burner.
“Since my accession, I have successively pacified the southern and western regions. Among these, the battle at the Northern Park incurred the least casualties.” Wen Yanran smiled slightly and said, “Minister Chu surely understands the reason.”
Chu Fu indeed knew.
The Marquis of Quanling had hoped to seize the throne through a palace coup, aiming to cause minimal large-scale chaos and achieve the swiftest succession with the fewest losses.
The Emperor had discerned this and, from that “minimize loss” approach, recognized a trace of compassion for the people’s welfare within her enemy. In doing so, she expressed acknowledgment and respect.
Chu Fu gazed almost tremulously at the sovereign before him.
In truth, contrary to what the other had said, before today, he had harbored doubts and unease in his heart.
Yet the Emperor was different from what he had previously imagined. Judging by her actions since ascending the throne, the assessments of certain ministers were not mistaken. Wen Yanran possessed a natural, acute intuition for power and never hesitated when decisions needed to be made. She would not waver in the slightest due to the identity of those involved. Ruthless in wielding authority, her reputation alone could make the nobles of the Western Tribes tremble with fear.
Yet at the same time, she was also a benevolent and wise sovereign, capable of tolerating her ministers. For those who hesitated and lingered, she was willing to take the initiative to step forward, allowing them to follow in her wake.
Chu Fu had witnessed Emperor Li and countless high-ranking officials and nobles, yet it was only in this sovereign that he most clearly felt what could be called the magnanimity of an emperor.
Wen Yanran instructed Chi Yi to carefully store the paper inscribed with “Si Hai Yan Ran,” then stood up herself and said with a smile, “After the New Year, the Eleventh Princess and Thirteenth Prince will begin their studies. Since Minister Chu is at leisure with no official duties, please take the time to enter the palace and teach them calligraphy.”
The Emperor did not stay long at the Chu residence before setting off to return to the palace. Chu Xi respectfully saw her off at the gate, watching the carriage disappear into the distance. Only then did he finally let out a sigh of relief. Her visit today had sent a clear signal within Jianping: the Emperor would not blame the Chu Clan for Chu Sui’s actions.
Chu Xi said joyfully, “Uncle, we can set our minds at ease from now on.”
Chu Fu did not respond. He dismissed his nephew and returned to the inner chamber, standing quietly where he was.
The lingering fragrance of remembrance in the room gradually dissipated, yet the complex emotions surging within him grew more intense with each passing moment.
Once again, he knelt facing south, his face toward the ground, tears falling drop by drop.
“Please grant your forgiveness, Your Highness.”
From this day forward, regardless of how history would judge him or how outsiders might discuss him, in Chu Fu’s own heart, he would no longer have the face to confront his former lord.
It was not that he had made a reluctant choice for the sake of his clan’s survival, nor was it due to coercion by power and authority. He had willingly shifted the object of his pledged loyalty.
Although choosing to follow the Marquis of Quanling in death that day would also have been a decision he would not regret, as of now, Chu Fu held a new conviction.
He wished to follow in Her Majesty’s footsteps and witness with his own eyes what path this sovereign of the Great Zhou would lead the nation upon.
Outside the window, the wind had ceased, and the snowflakes no longer fell. A lingering mist seemed to hang in the sky. Yet, Chu Fu felt no worry. He knew clearly that in just a few hours, the morning sun would rise, casting its brilliant light across this vast and boundless land.
