Chapter 48
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The meeting with Senior Minister Li happened too suddenly.
Han Jiao’s initial plan was to help Prince Yan get rid of the suspected traitorous Eldest Prince, then gradually remove the powerful members of Prince Duan’s faction in the court.
However, the case of wrongful execution for personal gain as Han Jiao’s forced entry point not only cleared Prince Yan of false accusations but also, following the trail of Zhao Liang, implicated the entire interest group within the Ministry of War.
Consequently, Prince Yan gained leverage over Zhou Zhaokun. Han Jiao’s actions had likely already alerted Zhou Zhaokun’s father-in-law, Senior Minister Li.
As the cunning and calculating Deputy Prime Minister, this Senior Minister Li before Han Jiao was far from what he had imagined.
He thought it would be the kind of person with a gentle and smiling facade, but he didn’t expect this old man to exude an air of sagely elegance, showing great courage in speech and manners, completely different from the image of a sycophant he had in mind.
Upon careful reflection, it was actually quite understandable. If even Han Jiao could see the cunning and deceitful nature of that old man, how could the Emperor possibly trust him so much?
Han Jiao didn’t dare to decline the invitation and had to follow Senior Minister Li to a secluded reception hall within the estate.
He felt quite nervous. When he paid his respects, he deliberately omitted mentioning his identity, not wanting Senior Minister Li to know that he was Han Jiao, the one who had investigated and disrupted the Ministry of War for three days.
Keeping his identity hidden was clearly a futile effort. A person of Senior Minister Li’s caliber wouldn’t need to personally take action if he genuinely wanted to cause trouble.
With this in mind, Han Jiao decided to be more forthright. Upon seeing Prince Duan tending to the flowers in the corridor of the reception hall, he immediately saluted and spoke loudly, “This subject is Han Jiao, a junior scholar-official of the Hanlin Academy. I pay my respects to Your Highness.”
From the moment he introduced himself, Han Jiao kept a close watch on Senior Minister Li.
The old man didn’t show any emotion, didn’t even glance at him. He calmly approached, took the water jug from Prince Duan’s hand, and instructed His Highness to go back to his room.
His attitude towards Prince Duan was not servile at all. It was more like a typical elder dealing with a child, tinged with a bit of stern concern.
Prince Duan didn’t respond with a greeting. Just like their first meeting, he completely ignored Han Jiao, turned around, and walked into the reception hall with an expressionless face.
It was Senior Minister Li who turned back to address Han Jiao, “His Highness dislikes formalities. In future private meetings, Master Han can dispense with the formalities and simply come in and sit down.”
Han Jiao could only nod and follow him inside.
Senior Minister Li took a seat in one of the armchairs next to Prince Duan, showing no concern for formalities. He appeared more like the prince’s grandfather. He raised his head and, seeing Han Jiao still standing, gave a slight smile, whispering, “Master Han, your reputation for being proud and unyielding precedes you. No need for formalities here. Please, take a seat.”
“I’m flattered.” The old man had clearly learned his background and was so candid about it. Han Jiao felt surprised but maintained a calm composure as he sat down.
Senior Minister Li neither pretended not to know him nor displayed any hostile emotions. It was as if the trouble Zhou Zhaokun had stirred up had nothing to do with him. Han Jiao found it hard to fathom his intentions.
“Indeed, just as the rumors say.” Senior Minister Li’s gaze fixed intently on Han Jiao. “You’re a young man with quick wits but not one to fit in. It’s a temperament that doesn’t bode well in the court.” He raised his hand and pointed at Han Jiao. “This disposition is a major flaw.”
Han Jiao nodded in acknowledgment. “I am dull-witted, straightforward from a young age, often offending people, and having very few friends.”
Senior Minister Li shook his head. “A young person as sharp as you, if truly aware of your faults, would have corrected this habit long ago. It seems that not only are you unwilling to change but also take pride in it. If you continue like this, by the time you reach adulthood, you’ll be an outsider.”
Han Jiao met his gaze, unsure if this was advice to withdraw from officialdom. So he cautiously responded, “Perhaps I’m truly unsuitable for public office. Even if, as you speculate, I have no regrets about it, I’ll do my best and leave the rest to fate.”
“If the court lacks pragmatic talents like you, it’s a great loss. I’ve read your extensive economic policy essay over ten times.” Senior Minister Li’s clear eagle eyes scrutinized Han Jiao. He continued earnestly, “For instance, your insights into the problem of currency depreciation in Great Chu were remarkable, as if you were perched atop Mount Tai, seeing the whole landscape. It genuinely amazed me.”
Han Jiao was also amazed. In that essay, the most easily overlooked topic of the era was inflation.
Han Jiao had emphasized the relevant arguments that had previously been brushed aside by others, but Senior Minister Li was the first to recognize the importance of this point.
A sense of kindred spirits emerged, and their subsequent conversation no longer carried an air of tension.
Han Jiao elaborated on the necessary conditions for reserve funds, economic stability, and their connection to currency preservation in detail.
Senior Minister Li patiently listened without getting tired, and whenever he didn’t quite grasp something, he asked for clarification, unashamed to seek understanding. After a while, he finally had a basic grasp of Han Jiao’s overall ideas.
Following this, Senior Minister Li shared his practical insights into the current situation in Great Chu, aiming to correct the unrealistic aspects of Han Jiao’s views.
The two of them, one with theoretical knowledge and the other with practical experience, quickly pieced together a practical policy proposal.
Han Jiao couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.
He was excited because it was the first time in this era that he had encountered a leader with such strategic depth. Yet, he was also fearful because this destined adversary was far more formidable than he had imagined.
Senior Minister Li wasn’t like the scheming and self-serving villains depicted in the novel. If he didn’t genuinely want to do meaningful work for the nation and its people, he wouldn’t be making the effort to understand these issues so thoroughly.
Maybe everything was just a facade on Senior Minister Li’s part, which would make him truly inscrutable.
Han Jiao hadn’t figured out why this old man was treating him with such sincerity. Was he trying to win him over?
Could this be the reason for Prince Duan’s faction’s attempts to drive a wedge between him and Prince Yan?
Did Senior Minister Li recognize his talent and want to harness it?
Before this wily old fox, Han Jiao didn’t dare to be overly self-assured. But looking at the current situation, Senior Minister Li’s attitude did seem to lean in that direction.
At this moment, Prince Duan, who had been quietly arranging flowers in a bamboo basket, suddenly turned and spoke to Senior Minister Li, “Master, you’ve bundled these two types of flowers together.”
Senior Minister Li snapped back to attention, turned to look at the flowers in the prince’s hand, pondered for a moment, and then gave himself a playful tap on the head. “I momentarily forgot, getting forgetful in my old age. Your Highness, don’t worry. I’ll find two more bouquets for you in a while.”
“No need,” Prince Duan held the flowers up to Senior Minister Li and said, “The flowers are individually wrapped, not mixed together.”
Senior Minister Li nodded in agreement. “That’s good.”
When he turned around and noticed Han Jiao looking bewildered, Senior Minister Li explained, “The Seventh Prince is timid, so he hardly interacts with strangers. He’s usually absorbed in studying plants and herbal remedies, and he often doesn’t pay attention to me when he’s focused on plants. Master Han, please don’t take offense.”
Han Jiao: “……”
The problem of people with Asperger syndrome was not just that they do not talk to people. Senior Minister Li was very smart, but how could he hang himself on the crooked tree of Prince Duan?
The Emperor’s legitimate sons included the Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Princes. Prince Yan was the eldest legitimate son and the most suitable among them to become the Emperor.
With Prince Duan’s condition, it was evident that he could only be a puppet under Senior Minister Li’s control.
As for Prince Ling, Han Jiao suspected that he might be the smartest among the brothers, but he didn’t seem interested in politics. If not for some reason leading to discord among the brothers, Han Jiao believed that Prince Ling wouldn’t want to be the Emperor, even if he was the most capable.
At the moment, it appeared that if Prince Duan could break free from Senior Minister Li’s influence, even if it meant stirring the pot, Senior Minister Li, no matter how cunning, wouldn’t be able to seize the throne for himself.
Earlier, due to their communication barrier, Han Jiao had given up on the idea of changing Prince Duan’s fate. However, after the conversation with Senior Minister Li just now, Han Jiao realized that defeating Senior Minister Li might be even more challenging than communicating with Prince Duan.
So, he still needed to attempt to connect with the unfortunate Prince Duan.
Seeing Han Jiao occasionally casting glances at Prince Duan, Senior Minister Li stood up and gestured for Han Jiao to take a seat beside the Prince.
Han Jiao was about to decline, but Senior Minister Li spoke first.
He lowered his gaze and addressed Prince Duan, “Your Highness, this is Han Jiao, a vital talent of our Great Chu.” Then he explained to Han Jiao, “His Highness only addresses me as ‘Master,’ so I apologize for any inconvenience to you.”
“I dare not,” Han Jiao nodded in response. “Please, Your Highness, feel free to call me by my name.”
Prince Duan didn’t even lift his head.
Senior Minister Li nodded at Han Jiao and signaled him to come closer.
Since this old man seemed eager for him to establish a rapport with Prince Duan, Han Jiao decided not to decline. He bowed slightly, then moved to sit next to Prince Duan. He cleared his throat with a solemn expression but was uncertain how to initiate the conversation.
Although he knew a fair amount about rare flowers and plants, he wasn’t aware of their uses in traditional Chinese medicine.
Senior Minister Li glanced at the tea table and instructed one of the attendants, “The tea has gone cold. Bring a fresh batch of tea leaves from the estate.”
Han Jiao politely declined, “There’s no need to trouble yourself, Master. Lukewarm tea suits me just fine. Besides, I come from a humble background and have been used to drinking plain water since childhood. I can’t distinguish the quality of tea leaves, so good tea would be wasted on me.”
Just as Senior Minister Li was about to speak, Prince Duan, who had been arranging flowers, suddenly repeated Han Jiao’s words in a low voice.
“Used to drinking plain water, used to drinking plain water, used to drinking plain water…” Xie Xiu mumbled, his voice growing louder and more insistent as he repeated Han Jiao’s words.
Han Jiao was taken aback, not understanding what had triggered this reaction. He quickly stood up, staring at Xie Xiu in astonishment, watching his every move.
Patients like Xie Xiu tend to exhibit repetitive speech or actions when they are anxious or stressed. If not comforted promptly, they can escalate to a loss of control.
“Your Highness!” Senior Minister Li hurried forward, bending down to hold Xie Xiu’s hands and soothing him in a hushed voice. “Don’t be anxious! Your Highness, what’s wrong? Tell me.”
“Used to drinking plain water… used to drinking plain water…” Xie Xiu gradually calmed down and looked at Han Jiao, his eyes a little red.
However, his expression quickly returned to a vacant state. He lowered his head again and continued to arrange the flowers, as if nothing had happened.
Han Jiao’s tense nerves relaxed slightly, and he let out a small sigh of relief.
When patients like this lose control, they can pose a risk to themselves or others. Harming others might not be a big concern, but self-harm could lead to serious consequences. Holding someone accountable for the prince’s self-inflicted injuries would likely result in severe punishments.
Han Jiao’s confidence dwindled even further. There might not be a shortcut to achieving his goals. It seemed safer to stick with competing against Senior Minister Li than getting closer to Prince Duan.
“It’s fine.” Senior Minister Li nodded at Han Jiao again, signaling him to sit down and continue the conversation with Prince Duan.
Even though he knew that this kind of interaction might never elicit any response from Xie Xiu, Senior Minister Li sincerely wanted to give it a try.
He was attempting to help Han Jiao discover the endearing aspects of Prince Duan and make him believe that the prince was worth assisting.
“You remind me of my younger self.”
When Han Jiao sat down once more, he heard Senior Minister Li suddenly say this.
“Try to genuinely feel the prince’s emotions,” Senior Minister Li continued, “His Highness has no ill intentions in any of his actions, but he can discern your goodwill or malice.”
Having said that, Senior Minister Li mentioned that he had to go and receive other guests, leaving Han Jiao alone to converse with Prince Duan.
In the reception hall, Xie Xiu sat beside Han Jiao, with attendants keeping a significant distance.
Han Jiao swallowed and clenched his fists on his knees, trembling with tension.
The mere words “used to drinking plain water” had almost caused Xie Xiu to lose control earlier. Han Jiao wasn’t sure what to say.
“You smell like freshly baked pastries,” Xie Xiu suddenly said.
Han Jiao remained bewildered for a moment, glancing around cautiously before turning his head to look at Xie Xiu, who was arranging the flowers. In a soft voice, he inquired, “Your Highness, are you speaking to me?”
“And overcooked leeks,” Xie Xiu added another sentence.
Han Jiao’s mind raced as he tried to keep up with this patient’s thought process.
Finally, he understood.
He recalled the leek fritters he had prepared in the morning, which he had kept in his pocket and nibbled on throughout his work at the Hanlin Academy. The scent of leek fritters might still linger on his clothes.
This unfortunate young man’s sense of smell was even keener than that of a puppy.
“Your Highness is right. Today, I did indeed eat leek fritters.”
Xie Xiu still didn’t turn to look at him. He just spoke expressionlessly, “Rarely does a man of your age need to replenish Yang.”
“……” Han Jiao was nearly choked by surprise.
Silence filled the air for a while.
Even though Han Jiao had finally struck up a conversation with Prince Duan and shouldn’t challenge his perspective, driven by his pride as a man, he couldn’t help but explain, “I didn’t eat leeks for… that aspect. It just happened that I had leek-filled fritters for breakfast.”
Xie Xiu suddenly turned his head, gazing at Han Jiao with an expressionless face and raising a question, “Leeks aren’t tasty.”
“Different people have slightly different tastes.”
Xie Xiu didn’t argue. He continued to fix his gaze on Han Jiao with emotionless eyes, like a precise calculating machine, scanning Han Jiao’s face repeatedly.
After a moment, Xie Xiu lowered his gaze and resumed arranging the flowers. “You do indeed need to eat more leeks.”
Han Jiao: “……”
What does that mean? Explain yourself!
I used to feel quite sorry for you when I saw you, but I didn’t expect you to be this kind of prince!
You and your younger brother deserve scolding equally!
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