Chapter 82: Passing on Falsehoods as Truth

Seeing Zhu Qiyu’s face pale with fear, Yu Qian spoke earnestly, “Your Highness, today’s events are entirely the result of Wang Zhen’s villainous faction acting against all reason, provoking the wrath of Heaven and the anger of the people. Now that His Majesty has fallen into peril, the ministers, incensed, have accidentally killed several traitors. The ministers harbor no ill intent toward Your Highness. We beg Your Highness to pardon us.”

Hearing Yu Qian’s words, Zhu Qiyu managed to regain some composure. Looking at the ministers gathering around him, he anxiously asked, “Master Yu, now the traitors have been eradicated, why do the ministers still refuse to disperse?”

Yu Qian clasped his hands and replied, “Your Highness, Wang Zhen’s faction is spread throughout the court. Many of his associates remain at large. I urge Your Highness to command the authorities to swiftly apprehend them. Wang Zhen, the eunuch, abused his power, governed autocratically, and brought disaster upon the nation and its people. A hundred deaths could not atone for his crimes. I beg Your Highness to issue an edict to confiscate his property and judge him according to law.”

“Please issue your decree, Your Highness!”

Everyone knelt, pleading for the decree.

Faced with this scene, Zhu Qiyu realized there was no room for negotiation. He had no choice but to issue the order:

“The nation’s tribulations are all due to the unchecked power of wicked men. Now, as you have advised, they shall be punished to the fullest extent, their property confiscated, to appease the anger of Heaven and men, and to comfort the spirits of the realm. All civil and military ministers must diligently fulfill their duties, to assist the nation and overcome these difficult times.”

With this decree, the ministers finally breathed a sigh of relief. Led by Yu Qian, the officials restored order to the court, paid their respects to Zhu Qiyu, and gradually dispersed.

Having listened to the entire episode at the Left Shun Gate, Xue Rui was contemplating his next steps.

The news of Xue Yuanhao’s grave illness had completely disrupted his plans. The outbreak of the Left Shun Gate incident today would certainly become the talk of the city.

Under such circumstances, Xue Yuanhao’s imprisonment in the imperial prison seemed insignificant, especially since he had already been rescued. If he continued to stir things up, the effect might not be ideal.

At this point, he could only change strategies—he needed a new headline to ride the wave of the Left Shun Gate incident.

After a moment’s thought, inspiration struck Xue Rui. He shared his idea in detail with Zhang Mao, instructing him to report to Madam Wu and ask her help in spreading the word.

Not long after Zhang Mao returned home, a rumor began to spread rapidly in teahouses, taverns, and every street corner: “At the Left Shun Gate, officials vented their fury and executed the traitors, while a young boy braved the imperial prison to rescue his father.”

...

If one were to name the most famous tavern in the capital, it would be Fortune Hall.

The name itself carried auspicious meaning, and the delicious food attracted many merchants and travelers. Even before mealtime, the main hall was already full of diners.

At a window-side table sat two middle-aged men dressed as gentlemen. One was travel-worn, clearly just returned from afar.

The gentleman on the right was named Liu Fu, a silk merchant in the city, owner of two sizable shops, and enjoying respectable business.

His table companion was Wang Qi, a leather merchant who had traveled far and wide over the years, accumulating considerable wealth and a reputation among his peers.

Recently, Wang Qi had gone to Liaodong to trade furs, but the defeat at Tumu Fortress blocked his route, forcing him to return the way he came. Today was his first day back in the capital.

Wang Qi sipped his wine and asked in puzzlement, “Brother Liu, when I entered the city earlier, everyone was talking about the Left Shun Gate. What exactly happened there?”

Liu Fu set down his cup, eyes sparkling with excitement. “You haven’t heard yet? Something huge happened at court today—imagine, even the Commandant of the Embroidered Guard, a high-ranking official, was beaten to death!”

“Brother Liu, tell me everything!”

Wang Qi’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued. He quickly filled Liu Fu’s cup, eager for gossip.

Liu Fu, delighted to have someone to share the story with, recounted the events at the Left Shun Gate in vivid detail, embellishing here and there.

“Excellent!” Wang Qi slapped the table in agitation, cursing loudly, “Those traitors deserved their fate. The court should punish them to the fullest!”

His trip to Liaodong had involved over ten hired men and costly expenses for food and lodging. Because of Wang Zhen’s reckless command, the Ming army suffered a crushing defeat, blocking his trade route and forcing him to return empty-handed. Not only did he fail to acquire any furs, he lost a considerable sum. How could he not be furious?

“Brother Wang, mind your words!” Liu Fu glanced nervously around. Although the court was pursuing the traitors, the dust had not yet settled. If Wang Zhen’s remnants overheard, merchants like them without power or influence could pay dearly.

Realizing his indiscretion, Wang Qi lowered his voice. “What’s this rumor about a boy breaking into the imperial prison?”

Liu Fu, clearly impressed, explained, “They say the boy’s name is Xue Rui. His father opposed the emperor’s campaign and was imprisoned by Wang Zhen. When the boy heard his father was gravely ill, he drew his sword and went to demand his release from the Embroidered Guard. Seeing he was alone, they initially scoffed, but the boy was highly skilled in martial arts. He fought his way in and out three times, and the ruthless guards were no match for him. The boy killed his way through, and the Embroidered Guard...”

“Wait!” Wang Qi interrupted. “That doesn’t add up. If he was there to rescue his father, why fight his way in and out three times? Was he copying Zhao Yun’s solo rescue?”

“Ahem, that part’s a bit exaggerated, a bit exaggerated.” Liu Fu raised his cup to hide his embarrassment, then continued, “The Embroidered Guard was awed by the boy and dared not stop him. They even led him to his father and released him.”

“Such bravery from a young man?” Wang Qi, seasoned in his travels, had seen many dangers. Thinking of the notorious imperial prison, he shuddered at the thought. He wondered how Xue Rui found the courage to storm in.

At that moment, the waiter brought several dishes. Liu Fu ate a piece of kidney and leisurely added, “That boy did more than just that. A few days ago, the Empress Dowager wanted to broker peace with the Oirat by marrying off a princess to bring back the emperor. Many officials and citizens had lost family to the Oirat and opposed the marriage, but the Empress Dowager insisted. No one could persuade her, until Xue Rui submitted a memorial and sternly... convinced her. Only then did she rescind the order. The Xue family truly is remarkable!”

“What did the boy say?”

“I only remember a few lines—something about 'The Son of Heaven guards the gates of the nation, and the monarch dies for the realm.' After hearing that, the Empress Dowager couldn’t bring herself to mention the princess again.” Liu Fu spoke softly, but his admiration was clear.

“The Xue father and son are loyal and brave! Come, let’s raise a glass and toast the vindication of the righteous!”

Wang Qi’s blood surged with excitement, his admiration for the legendary Xue family as boundless as a mighty river.

Scenes like this played out across the capital, at different times and places.

Stone Alley.

After Tao Jie’an’s treatment, Xue Yuanhao gradually recovered, and Lady Liu and her son finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As the sun set, Xue Rui suddenly realized a pressing problem.

Their rented courtyard only had a master bedroom and a side room. Previously, Lady Liu occupied the master bedroom, while Xue Rui slept in the side room.

Now that Xue Yuanhao was back, naturally he should share the master bedroom with Lady Liu. The question before Lady Liu and her son was—what should Su Su do?

Xue Rui glanced at Su Su and suggested, “How about I share a room with Father, and you and Su Su take the side room? We can manage for a few days. Once my affairs are settled, we’ll return to the old house.”

Lady Liu shook her head. “That won’t do. Your father is still ill and needs constant care. I must stay by his side to monitor his condition, lest he relapse. Besides, you have duties at the Office of Astronomy during the day. How can you rest properly if you’re uncomfortable?”

“Then maybe I could sleep on the floor?” Xue Rui offered.

“No, no, August is rainy and the ground is damp these days. Sleeping on the floor is unhealthy. I’ll sleep on the floor and make do instead.”

Su Su knew her own status. Though she seemed part of the family, she was a servant by birth. For the young master to give up his bed for her, while he slept on the floor, made no sense in any era. She strongly opposed.

Lady Liu sighed. “We only have two quilts. Where would you find bedding for the floor?”

“Well, maybe I could...”

Su Su blushed, about to suggest something mortifying, when Xue Rui decisively said, “Father’s condition has stabilized. With Tao Jie’an’s medicine, he should recover by tomorrow. Since that’s the case, I’ll stay at Master’s house for a few nights. I have matters to discuss with him anyway.”

Su Su stared in astonishment at her young master, her face flushing and paling in turn, while Xue Rui counted on his fingers, listing the benefits of lodging at his master’s home.

Lady Liu glanced at her oblivious son, then at her maid’s expression, amused. Wasn’t this just like the saying: falling petals yearn for the flowing stream, but the stream is indifferent?

Before the city gates closed, Xue Rui timed his entry into the city.

Xue Rui had taken leave today, so even Hu Zhong was unaware. Only at the end of his shift did Hu Zhong learn of Xue Rui’s absence.

The Left Shun Gate incident had spread throughout the city by noon, and the Hu family had certainly heard of it.

With Xue Rui absent, Hu Ying’er grew worried. The court had been in turmoil, and Xue Rui had hurried out of the Office of Astronomy—could he have gotten caught up in all this chaos?

She shared her concern with her grandfather, but Hu Zhong was unconcerned. His apprentice-grandson seemed unreliable, but he understood priorities. He would never act rashly, so he reassured his granddaughter.

After dinner, Jin’er suddenly entered, saying the cook had heard while shopping that the city was abuzz with tales of Xue Rui storming the imperial prison.

Hearing this, the grandfather and granddaughter were shocked and immediately summoned the cook for details.

Just days earlier, Xue Rui had discussed with them that once the time was right, he would plan his father’s rescue.

Hu Zhong had agreed, intending to enlist connections in court and spend some money to stir public opinion, so Xue Rui could gain maximum fame and step into officialdom.

But who would have thought Xue Rui, for reasons unknown, had charged into the imperial prison and rescued his father ahead of schedule!

When the cook entered, Hu Zhong asked urgently, “Who told you Xue Rui stormed the prison?”

“Master, I heard it from the vendors. Everyone’s talking about it,” the cook replied.

Hu Ying’er interjected, “Did you hear what happened to Xue Rui? Did he actually rescue his father?”

“I think he did. They say he killed many Embroidered Guards, and the prison was awash in blood.”

The cook’s expression was tinged with fear. If her indenture weren’t held by the Hu family, she’d flee far away, lest she lose her head if the family were implicated.

Hu Ying’er nearly fainted, her vision darkening, but Jin’er caught her in time.

After thinking it over, Hu Zhong said, “This can’t be true. Xue Rui barely has any strength. He couldn’t take on even half an Embroidered Guard, let alone a group. How could he rescue his father?”

Hearing her grandfather’s analysis, Hu Ying’er regained some color and urged, “Grandfather, quickly send someone to Xue’s house to find out what happened!”

Hu Zhong agreed, and immediately summoned the steward, Hu You Tong, to go to Stone Alley and investigate.

“Master, I’ll go at once.”

Hu You Tong set out, and Xiao Cui rushed in, flustered, “Master, the young master of the Xue family is here!”