Chapter 041: Visiting the Duke’s Residence

“In truth, there is no need for everyone to be so anxious. Now that Prince Cheng is acting as regent, there are still many capable ministers at court, and they are surely discussing a solution at this very moment. By tomorrow at the latest, there will be an outcome. If you elders are uneasy, it may be wise to send your families to another place for safety and wait until the conflict has ended before returning. That would be the most prudent course.”

Seeing how despondent everyone was, Xue Rui could only offer this compromise. The capital would likely be unsettled for a month or two, so sending one's family to safety was a sensible precaution.

Since there was no escaping the situation, the astronomers resolved to focus on relocating their families to safer places and bringing them back once the turmoil had subsided.

After much effort persuading the others, suddenly a group burst in from outside.

Looking closely, it was Liu Jin and his companions.

Xue Rui asked curiously, “What brings you here?”

Liu Jin looked grief-stricken, his voice choked with emotion. “Brother Rui, we came here with just one question: has Master Hu divined whether my father can survive this calamity?”

“Yes, the army has been defeated, and we do not know whether our fathers are alive or dead. Our homes are in chaos. If you know anything, please tell us. Master Hu is famed for his wisdom—surely he knows, doesn't he?” Chen Li looked at him hopefully.

Xue Rui dearly wished to comfort them but did not know where to begin. After a moment’s silence, he sighed and said, “Master Hu can only use celestial phenomena to judge fortune or misfortune—he is not a soothsayer, and cannot divine the fate of every parent. I think you should go home and wait. If your fathers have survived, they will likely return within a few days.”

The students of the hereditary lines were deeply disappointed by this reply.

They had only come to Xue Rui seeking a bit of solace. But since the matter involved their grandmaster, Xue Rui dared not speak carelessly and could only answer honestly, making them all the more despondent.

Still, none of them blamed him. After saying their farewells, they went to Xu Dun’s office, clearly intending to request leave and return home.

All morning, Gao Mian had not set foot in the office.

With every department in disarray and the astronomical students in no mood to work, Xue Rui found himself with rare leisure and took the opportunity to read.

Just before noon, Shi Xiang, who had gone out to gather news, rushed in, slapping his thigh. “No wonder Lord Gao hasn’t shown up—he’s already taken leave and gone home. Others in the bureau are leaving one after another as well, no doubt eager to ensure their families’ safety.”

“In that case, what are we waiting for? Let’s all go home!” No sooner had someone taken the lead than everyone else followed suit—without even bothering to request leave, they scattered and vanished in an instant.

In the blink of an eye, only Xue Rui remained.

As it was not yet mealtime and he hadn’t eaten at the canteen, he had no intention of saving money for the court. He continued reading to pass the time.

At this moment in the capital, anyone as calm as he was could only be either a fool or someone completely lacking in sense.

When noon arrived, on his way to the canteen he rounded a corner in the covered walkway and nearly collided with someone.

Recognizing the man, Xue Rui exclaimed in surprise, “Uncle, what’s the rush?”

It was none other than Zheng Debiao, who had just returned from an assignment a few days prior. His hurried steps suggested something urgent.

Seeing it was Xue Rui, Zheng Debiao quickly pulled him aside. “A centurion with troops has come from outside, saying he’s here to see your father. I told him your father has been imprisoned, so he asked to meet Master Hu instead. From his tone, he won’t leave without seeing one of them, so I’ve come to consult you.”

“A centurion with troops?” Xue Rui’s expression grew serious. “Did he say who he was?”

“He refused to answer—clearly he doesn’t want his identity known,” Zheng Debiao replied with a wry smile.

Xue Rui considered for a moment. Someone seeking his father and grandmaster at such a time was most likely hoping for answers. If he refused to see them, they would certainly not give up easily. “In that case, I’ll go meet them myself. Perhaps I can settle the matter.”

“Are you sure?” Zheng Debiao asked, worried.

Xue Rui was unconcerned. “I am an official student of the Astronomical Bureau. Even if I had committed a grave crime, no one could touch me without the emperor’s order. He’s just a sixth-rank military officer—would he dare lay a hand on me?”

“That’s true,” Zheng Debiao said, much relieved, and led Xue Rui out of the bureau.

Not far from the gate stood a young officer of about twenty-six or seven, dressed in military garb, with four soldiers holding horses behind him.

When the pair emerged, the officer looked at Zheng Debiao with displeasure. “Didn’t you say you were fetching Baozhang Zheng? Why have you brought out a youngster instead?”

Zheng Debiao quickly cupped his hands in respect. “Sir, when I went to fetch Baozhang Zheng, I learned that his old illness has relapsed and he is recovering at home, unable to receive visitors. This young man is Master Xue, Master Hu’s great-grandson and the son of Scribe Xue. If you have questions, perhaps you can ask him.”

The young officer frowned. “What could a snot-nosed boy know? Since Baozhang Zheng is on leave, I’ll pay a visit to his residence myself.”

Military men are coarse and know little of courtesy.

Were they to visit Master Hu’s residence, they would no doubt alarm the grandmaster and his household.

With no alternative, Xue Rui stepped forward. “General, wait!”

The officer paused and glanced back. “What is it?”

Xue Rui’s expression was calm. “Allow me to guess the general’s identity, may I?”

“Oh?” The officer’s interest was piqued. “Let’s hear it.”

“My father has had no dealings with military men. For you to seek him out now, it must be because of what he said at the Duke of England’s residence a month ago. If I am not mistaken, you serve under the Duke of England?”

“Impressive—quite perceptive,” the officer said, surprised. He lowered his voice. “Since you know, let me ask: when your father said the Duke would return wrapped in his war cloak, was that idle talk, or did it mean something?”

“I cannot tell you.”

“Why not?” the officer pressed.

“Because you are not the one asking. Someone else sent you, isn’t that so?”

The officer stared at him in astonishment. After a long pause, he nodded. “You’re right. I’ll be frank—I was sent by the mistress of the household to confirm whether your father’s prophecy is true. If you know, tell me, and you will be rewarded.”

The “mistress” he referred to was Madam Wu, the Duke of England Zhang Fu’s current wife.

Zhang Fu was now seventy-four years old, his first wife, Madam Li, having passed away many years ago, and he had not remarried until nine years ago, when his concubine Wu bore him a son. Delighted, Zhang Fu raised her to the position of main wife. Thus, she was the only one in the household who could be called “mistress.”

Xue Rui thought for a moment. “If Madam Wu wishes to know the Duke’s fate, why not let me speak with her in person? What does the general think?”

“This...” The officer hesitated. Madam Wu had instructed him to question Xue Yuanhao and his master. If he brought back only a half-grown boy without meeting the intended parties, she might be displeased.

Noticing his hesitation, Xue Rui said mysteriously, “General, I am well aware of the Duke’s situation, and I can also offer advice on other matters weighing on Madam Wu’s mind. If you take me to see her, I promise it will be more useful than speaking to my father or grandmaster.”

Other matters weighing on her mind?

The officer was taken aback, then quickly caught on and asked in a low voice, “You’re not just boasting, are you?”

“Of course not,” Xue Rui replied with confidence.