Chapter 139: Distinguished Guests Arrive

Speaking of this Taoist, Wei Dayou, he was quite famous, enjoying great acclaim within the Taoist community.

The fact that his version survived into later times suggested that his Collected Commentaries on the True Scripture of the Dao and Its Virtue must have been widely accepted in his time. Logically speaking… the version accepted by the Grand Empress Dowager was almost certainly this very edition.

Regarding this version, Fang Jifan mostly remembered it. Who could help but remember, since this Collected Commentaries on the True Scripture of the Dao and Its Virtue was incredibly widespread.

Although in his last life, knowing it wouldn’t have gotten him anything, this Young Lord had at least saved himself the effort now.

Thinking this, Fang Jifan felt confident. He picked up his brush and began writing below: “The Way is usually shapeless, empty, chaotic and natural. The two modes [Yin & Yang] arise from it, the myriad things take form because of it. It cannot be named, yet we forcefully call it ‘the Way’…”

Zhu Houzhao watched beside him, genuinely curious. Yet, even though he recognized every single character individually, put together, they meant nothing to him.

He couldn’t be bothered to figure it out anyway. He was just here to slack off.

For over two hours, Fang Jifan meticulously copied out the Collected Commentaries on the True Scripture of the Dao and Its Virtue, imitating Zhu Houzhao’s handwriting, and then copied the Daodejing itself. Only then did he sigh in relief and put down the brush.

Zhu Houzhao was thrilled. He didn’t bother checking the work. Excitedly, he quickly blew on the ink to dry it and packed everything away promptly.

His big task was finally done.

Seeing it was getting late, Fang Jifan bid farewell.

Zhu Houzhao instructed, “Remember to inform This Palace when Prince Ning sends the silver!”

“Got it, got it,” Fang Jifan replied impatiently, waving his hand.

This Crown Prince cared more about money than he, the biggest spendthrift, did!

Prince Ning was truly annoying too. He sent gifts twice, and then suddenly no word? Did he look down on this Young Lord? This Young Lord did speak favorably of him!

Or maybe he thought the cost of currying favor was too high?

Logically, Prince Ning’s Mansion, operating for over a century, had accumulated a fortune of a size perhaps only heaven knew. The current Prince Ning Zhu Chenhao had grand ambitions. Even though Fang Jifan thought those ambitions were… less than intelligent, shouldn’t a person with ideals care a little less about mere money? What was silver in the grand scheme?

The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. For someone like Prince Ning, with such grand schemes, not tricking him out of any silver left Fang Jifan feeling like he was dropping the ball.

He returned home feeling gloomy. There turned out to be a guest waiting outside. An unfamiliar carriage and horses were parked at his gate, along with several lackeys he didn’t recognize.

Fang Jifan marched in boldly and quickly headed to the main hall. He was shocked to see Fang Jinglong sitting there grandly!

Fang Jifan went closer in surprise. “Father, when did you get back? Are the affairs at the Tianjin Garrison done?”

Fang Jinglong shook his head, looking slightly awkward. He hurriedly answered, “Your cousin’s aunt has come, from Nanjing. Come quickly and offer your respects!”

Fang Jifan focused then noticed a matronly woman sitting to one side, her eyes observing him closely.

Fang Jifan remembered he did indeed have a cousin’s aunt (表姑), married to the second son of the Duke of Wei, Xu Zhi.

Since that Duke of Wei, Xu Zhi, was ordered by the Emperor to guard Nanjing, his second son, Xu Kuiru, naturally entered the military command there. He seemed to have become the Commander of some Nanjing Garrison; his future prospects looked boundless.

Actually, any fool could see: The second son couldn’t inherit the dukedom. So, any noble family typically kept the heir at home, preparing to inherit the title. The other sons weren’t ignored either; wouldn’t they try their best to place them within the army for training? With their family background, especially while their father was alive securing a high-ranking military post wasn’t difficult.

The Duke of Wei’s Residence was among the elite of the elite, holding the hereditary post of Defending General of Nanjing. This position made him responsible for the entire military affairs of Jiangnan. Even though the Palace Eunuch sent from the Imperial Palace and the Nanjing Minister of War shared some of the military authority there, the Duke of Wei securing Nanjing was undoubtedly one of the Great Ming’s main pillars.

This cousin’s aunt married this second son of the Duke of Wei. Although Xu Kuiru’s reputation wasn’t exactly stellar either – Fang Jifan had heard he was a wastrel – well, the man’s reputation was still marginally better than his own.

Ugh, depressing…

Since she was a guest at his home, Fang Jifan could only bow to his cousin’s aunt (表姑). “Greetings, Aunt.”

This Aunt Fang-shi (方氏), though not in her prime youth, still looked striking. Dressed as a wealthy matron, she possessed an air of refinement.

She assessed Fang Jifan with a glance, having heard rumors about his… wild ways upon arriving in the Capital from Nanjing. Though she didn’t inquire much, she didn’t seem very interested in him either.

Fang Jinglong asked politely, “What brings you to the Capital this time? Why didn’t you send a letter ahead? Your brother could have arranged to welcome you.”

Fang-shi was much friendlier towards Fang Jinglong. “Last month, I received a royal decree from the Renshou Palace summoning me to accompany the Grand Empress Dowager. Isn’t her Majesty’s birthday coming soon? I never expected her to actually remember me,” she replied with a bright smile, clearly rather pleased at this honour.

After thinking for a moment, she added, “Therefore, my father-in-law ordered me to set off immediately, not daring to miss this auspicious occasion. You know, brother, His Majesty is deeply devoted to the Grand Empress Dowager. Pleasing this honourable Ancestor could potentially advance my husband’s prospects as a Commander.”

Fang Jinglong nodded thoughtfully yet couldn’t help feel a pang of regret. “A pity our Fang family has no prestigious ladies. Otherwise, we might also have attended such a grand occasion.” Thinking of Fang Jifan’s late mother, a wave of melancholy washed over him. Seeing others preparing earnestly for this significant event intensified his feeling of exclusion, bringing a touch of sadness.

Fang-shi smiled faintly, choosing her words carefully. “Brother, actually… not all Mingfu can receive such an invitation.” With that brief statement, she didn’t elaborate.

From those few words, Fang Jifan kept quiet but inwardly scoffed. She’s really showing off! What ‘not all Mingfu are invited’? It plainly means ‘I was special enough to be invited’, right? The unspoken implication was that his mother wouldn’t have been invited anyway, even if alive. Fang Jifan felt a flicker of resentment.

Engrossed in his melancholy, Fang Jinglong didn’t seem offended by her subtle vanity. He merely sighed, “Rare indeed is the Grand Empress Dowager’s favour on you.”

“It must be thanks to my father-in-law’s efforts,” Fang-shi acknowledged gracefully. “His intention was undoubtedly to secure a more advantageous position for his son.” Her head dipped slightly.

Fang Jinglong understood now. No wonder Fang-shi had said not every Mingfu could receive such an honour. Very likely, only the leading ladies from the top Ducal Houses – the Duke of Wei, Duke of Yingguo, Duke of Cheng, and Duke of Qian in Yunnan – had the privilege. The Duke of Wei clearly had a motive here. Hoping to showcase his second daughter-in-law, he probably claimed indisposition for his own wife and had her step in.

It seemed the Duke of Wei in Nanjing was pulling out all the stops to advance the career of that second son, meticulously orchestrating things carefully.

Fang Jifan, listening nearby, guessed the Duke of Wei’s Residence must be very well-prepared. They likely had lavish gifts ready to ensure their daughter-in-law dazzled at court. If handled successfully, perhaps this cousin’s uncle would eventually get a chance to take charge somewhere, gather merits, and earn a title.

Fang Jifan found the discussion quite dull. “Father, I’m tired. I’m off to bed.”

Fang Jinglong shot him a look, reproaching his rudeness in front of his aunt. But remembering his son had just returned from duty, he softened instantly, his eyes turning fond. “Go ahead.” Turning back to Fang-shi, he explained, “He still hasn’t learned proper manners. But he seriously ill not long ago, recovering just recently. Please don’t mind.”

Fang-shi offered a small smile. She genuinely didn’t dwell much on Fang Jifan. “In Nanjing, I did hear vaguely about his Brain Illness; I was rather worried.” Her gaze was cool. “Seeing him now, bursting with energy, does put my mind at ease. It’s good news.” She paused then added gently but pointedly, “But brother… this sister has heard certain rumors. They say Jifan acts quite… recklessly. Please, brother, you absolutely mustn’t indulge him in these matters. After all, the Nanhe Bo Mansion still feels somewhat like my maternal home. If Jifan behaves outrageously and ruins our lineage’s reputation… it would embarrass me deeply at the Duke’s Residence too. Affairs within the nobility residences… are complex. Difficult to explain quickly. In short, I feel I’m walking on thin ice there. Truly, I want no gossip arising over this.”

Fang Jinglong looked embarrassed and could only answer with a wry smile. “You are right. Next time, I will… I will scold him! This brother will certainly reprimand him!”

“…” Fang-shi held her tongue, her expression remaining perfectly serene. Fang Jinglong mentally sighed. He recalled how lively this cousin had been back when she was a maiden, how fond she was of Fang Jifan then. Who expected marriage, moving far to Nanjing, and seven or eight years apart to make her seem almost a stranger?

After a long silence, Fang-shi spoke. “My journey to the Capital was terribly rushed. This visit to see my honourable brother was also quite abrupt. Brother, the hour is late. I should take my leave now.”

Fang Jinglong felt a profound sense of loss. So much had changed over the years. Masking his sadness with politeness, he said, “If you find spare time while in the Capital, do visit again.” But the words felt hollow.

After accompanying her out, Fang Jinglong returned visibly dispirited. Perhaps partly grieving how his cousin had changed so much, and also feeling keenly the emptiness within his household without a lady of the house.

If my wife were still alive…, Fang Jinglong sighed internally, thinking about the Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, then the Fang family wouldn’t be completely without hope for such distinction.

Meanwhile, within the Renshou Palace inside the Imperial Palace…

Zhu Houzhao cautiously stuck his head around the doorframe. An eunuch behind him announced loudly, “The Crown Prince has arrived!”

Seated high in the main hall, accompanied by trusted eunuchs and Palace Maids, the Grand Empress Dowager beamed with delight. Glancing towards the entrance, she caught a glimpse of Zhu Houzhao’s furtive figure. She beckoned warmly towards him. “Come here, come close to me dear boy…”

“Oh.” Zhu Houzhao nodded obediently and hurried inside. He approached properly and performed the ritual salute politely: “Greetings, Imperial Grandmother.”

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled even wider. “I was praying to the Supreme Dao Lord for blessings just now–” she gestured vaguely towards a statue of a revered Taoist deity— “wondering about you! And look, you appeared like magic!” Her eyes radiated kindness and deep affection. “Come now, not so stiff! Sit here beside me.”

Zhu Houzhao dutifully settled onto the divan beside his grandmother. She affectionately patted his back. “How my boy has grown! Barely days pass, yet you seem taller already! It truly warms my heart to see you tire of traveling across the palace grounds to offer your respects personally. Are you hungry at all?” Her affectionate tone permeated her greeting.