Chapter 108: A Fatal Disaster

Lady Zhao did not admit to embezzling the second branch's assets, but she gave her word that she would inquire with the household staff and promised a resolution within a couple of days.

Out of consideration for familial bonds, Xue Yuanhao did not wish to make things too difficult. After all, with the family separation at such a critical juncture, complications were best avoided; if things could be settled amicably, there was no need to rush.

The furniture from the side courtyard had been moved into the warehouse by Lady Zhao's orders, and now that the second branch had returned, it was only right that the property be restored to its owners. Once the servants were instructed to move everything back, the members of the second branch felt a weight lifted off their shoulders. They waited only for Lady Zhao to return the remaining assets so they could rent a new residence and live completely independent lives—what a relief that would be.

The next day, before dawn, Xue Yuanhao was already fully dressed and waking the still-dreaming Xue Rui. As today was his first day on duty, he had several administrative procedures to finalize and needed to arrive early. Xue Rui had already spoken with Lady Li the day before, explaining that since his father now held an official post and had to report to the Directorate of Astronomy, he could not simply walk there and needed to borrow the family carriage. Lady Li had seen no issue with this and readily agreed.

When the father and son arrived at the Directorate of Astronomy, many had already gathered. At the entrance, Clerk Zhang was still seated at his desk, responsible for taking the roll call of the students. Seeing Xue Yuanhao dressed in his official robes, Clerk Zhang quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "This humble one greets Master Xue."

"Brother Zhang, there is no need for such formality," Xue Yuanhao said with a friendly bow. "Today is my first day on duty. I wonder which officials have already arrived? I would like to pay my respects."

"Reporting to you, Master, the Vice Director and the Xia Official are here; the others have yet to arrive."

"Very well, I shall go see them first," Xue Yuanhao replied, leading the way inside. Xue Rui opened the roll, signed his name neatly, and followed.

Once the pair had walked off, Clerk Zhang glanced at the elegant calligraphy on the register and sighed to himself: "I once thought this boy was good for nothing, but it seems he was merely playing a part. I misjudged him. Looking at his recent actions, this lad possesses deep schemes and great composure; he will surely not remain in a small pond for long... Hmph, I must treat this father and son with more respect in the future."

Ignoring the musings of Clerk Zhang, Xue Yuanhao entered the Directorate. The astronomy students who saw him immediately gathered to pay their respects, their attitudes genuinely reverent. It was clear that Xue Yuanhao held great influence in the Directorate.

Later, the two parted ways; Xue Yuanhao went to pay his respects to his superiors. Xue Rui headed to the archive room to assign the day's teaching tasks to the hereditary students. After waiting for half an hour, judging that his father had finished his meetings, he went to the office of the Baozhang Zheng (Director of the Protection of the Heavens) to wait for his father to complete the handover.

Overall, Xue Yuanhao’s first day went smoothly. His superiors did not attempt to intimidate him or use any of the typical bureaucratic posturing; at the very least, they were civil on the surface. After finishing his shift, the Xue father and son visited the Hu residence to consult with Hu Zhong on a few matters before taking the carriage back to Ming Shi Lane.

In the side courtyard, Lady Liu and her servants had already prepared a meal to welcome Xue Yuanhao home from his first day. Just as they were halfway through, a maidservant from the main branch came running, saying that an Earl surnamed Liu had come to visit and was waiting in the main hall. Xue Yuanbo had instructed the Second Master to come and see him immediately.

"An Earl surnamed Liu?" Xue Yuanhao racked his brains, but could not recall knowing any Earl by that name.

Xue Rui had been closely following the political situation at court lately and hadn't missed a single issue of the official gazette. After a moment of thought, he recalled that when the court reshuffled the frontier defense commanders a few days ago, the name of Liu An, the Regional Commander of Datong and Earl of Guangning, had been mentioned. But if this were the Earl of Guangning, he should be stationed at Datong; why had he returned to the capital?

"Could it be someone else?" Xue Rui muttered.

Hearing his son, Xue Yuanhao asked, "Do you know who this visitor might be?"

"I am not certain, but since he is a member of the nobility, meeting privately with an official of the Directorate of Astronomy violates court law. Father, you should avoid this to prevent being impeached," Xue Rui warned.

Although officials of the Directorate of Astronomy belonged to the civil service, they did not answer to the Ministry of Personnel; they served the imperial power directly, and their duties were highly sensitive. Generally, to avoid suspicion, civil and military officials did not associate with them; if there were official business, it was conducted at the office. For an Earl to visit privately was a breach of protocol. If the censors heard of it, not only the Earl but also Xue Yuanhao would face consequences.

Xue Yuanhao understood this and said troubledly, "I do not know his intentions. If I do not go, it might seem disrespectful and needlessly create a powerful enemy for our family. That would not be worth it."

"How about this: do not show yourself yet. I will go and meet him. If it is official business, then you can step in. If it is a personal matter, I will simply decline," Xue Rui proposed. These military men cared little for the rules of etiquette, and if provoked, violence was not out of the question.

Fearing his son's blunt nature might cause offense, Xue Yuanhao cautioned him, "Do not be overconfident. If you cannot handle it, come back and tell me immediately."

"I understand." With a nod, Xue Rui headed to the main residence.

*Bang!*

Just as he reached the exterior of the main hall, a muffled thud echoed from within. Then, a roar followed: "This is preposterous! How much time has passed? Why has he not come to see me? Does he look down on this Earl?"

"My Lord, please calm your anger. I am sure he is on his way. Please wait a moment... Someone, bring the Earl fresh tea!" came the fawning voice of his uncle, Xue Yuanbo.

"Hmph! Wait a moment longer. If he does not come, don't blame me if I start searching the premises and disturb the ladies!" The voice was booming and clearly belonged to someone of a violent temperament.

*How arrogant,* Xue Rui thought, realizing this man would be difficult to deal with. As he stepped into the main hall, he saw two soldiers standing by the door. In the center of the hall, a swarthy man in military uniform was pacing back and forth impatiently.

Hearing footsteps, Xue Yuanbo let out a sigh of relief and said ingratiatingly, "My Lord, the person you wished to see has arrived."

The general turned his head toward the entrance. *Smack!* Seeing only a young boy, the general’s expression darkened, and he backhanded Xue Yuanbo across the face.

"You scoundrel! Do you dare to toy with me?" the general roared. Xue Yuanbo, not a tall man and somewhat portly, nearly collapsed from the force of the blow. "G-General..." Xue Yuanbo had not expected it to be Xue Rui, and he felt like crying from the injustice.

Though Xue Rui did not get along with his uncle’s family, this Earl was far too barbaric, openly striking people in the Xue household. Xue Rui’s anger flared, but he knew the man was an unreasonable brute; it was better to avoid a direct confrontation if possible.

Suppressing his rage, Xue Rui stepped over the threshold and bowed, asking, "I am Xue Rui, son of the Baozhang Zheng. May I ask the purpose of your visit, My Lord?"

The Earl frowned. "What is a mere child doing here? Go call your father; I have questions for him."

"Then please, My Lord, tell me your name so that I may relay it to my father."

To solve the problem, he needed to know the visitor's background. One of the soldiers shouted, "Know this: the man before you is the Imperial-appointed Earl of Guangning, Regional Commander of Datong, and General for the Pacification of the West, Liu An!"

It really was Liu An. Xue Rui had guessed correctly.

A few days ago, Liu An had ordered the officials in Datong to leave the city and pay homage to Zhu Qizhen. When the court learned of this, the Prince of Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, had issued a decree severely reprimanding Liu An and promoting his subordinates, effectively stripping Liu An of most of his power and sidelining him. Liu An was deeply dissatisfied. He had attempted to rescue the Emperor whom he had appointed as Commander, but his plans failed. Ironically, his attempt to raid the enemy camp had frightened the Oirat army into retreating, a significant achievement. Yet, when he sent his report to the capital, the court rebuked him, claiming his actions were reckless.

Liu An believed he was fulfilling the Ministry of War’s order to "seize the opportunity to rescue the Emperor." Since the court would not accept his explanation, he felt wronged and decided he must return to the capital to explain himself to the Prince of Cheng in person. He believed that since the Emperor had promised him a promotion to Marquis, this matter needed to be settled.

He left the defense of the city to his deputy, Guo Deng, and rushed to the capital with dozens of personal guards. Along the way, he heard rumors of officials urging the Prince of Cheng to ascend the throne. Fearing he would miss the chance to pledge his loyalty to the new monarch and secure his title, he traveled day and night. Unfortunately, he arrived three days after the coronation.

Disappointed, Liu An returned to his mansion, waiting for an opportunity. While chatting with his family, he heard rumors about Xue Yuanhao, who had supposedly predicted the Tumu Crisis. Desperate for guidance on how to secure his title, he decided to ask the "expert" Xue Yuanhao to divine his fortune.

Knowing Liu An's background, Xue Rui was no longer afraid. He bowed and said, "My Lord, truth be told, my father is unwell and cannot receive guests. If you have any business, you may tell me, and perhaps I can answer."

"You little brat, don't play games with me! Go get your father, or I will go find him myself!" Liu An threatened.

Xue Rui, seeing no other option, said coldly, "My Lord, if you insist, I will speak plainly. Do you know that court law dictates the Directorate of Astronomy serves only the Emperor? Private meetings between officials and the Directorate are strictly forbidden. If I am not mistaken, you are here to have your fortune told. Is that not so?"

"You guessed correctly. I am here to have your father calculate my future. Don't talk to me about court rules; people do this all the time. As long as you don't talk and I don't talk, who will know?" Liu An sneered.

Xue Rui shook his head. "Walls have ears. The court is currently conducting a strict investigation into spies; the Imperial Guard is everywhere. If they find out you met privately with a Directorate official, the consequences will be severe."

"How severe?" Liu An asked, still skeptical.

"Divining the heavens is a state secret. If someone suspects you of conspiring, they could claim that you returned from the frontier to act as an internal agent for the Oirats. How would you explain that?"

Liu An hesitated. "So, you are saying I cannot see your father?"

"I have already guessed your intentions. If you value my advice, return to Datong immediately, or you will face a fatal disaster."

"What did you say? A fatal disaster?" Liu An’s eyes widened.

"I have some knowledge of physiognomy. Your complexion is dark and there is an ominous aura above your head. The capital is no place for you to linger. Return to Datong." Xue Rui stared fixedly at the top of Liu An's head.

Liu An subconsciously touched his forehead and asked his guards, "Look, is it as he says?"

The two soldiers, not wanting to be responsible for any bad omens, took one look at their commander’s sun-darkened skin and said, "My Lord, your forehead does seem a bit dark. Could it be a sign of misfortune?"