Chapter 6: The Imperial Prince’s Plight
Chapter 6: The Imperial Prince’s Plight
Xiao Rui had intimidated the entire classroom with three consecutive poems.
Xiao Jing stared at his seventh brother in shock, seeing him like this for the first time. Was it like a turtle poking its head out on a rainy day—finally taking the lead?
How was that possible? How could he compose such poetry? Ghostwriting. He must have hired a ghostwriter!
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan looked on with admiration, barely restraining the urge to shout: I knew it! My seventh brother is the best! Haha, you all don’t know, but I know a big secret about seventh brother! I won’t tell anyone!
The others whispered among themselves.
Xiao Rui was brimming with pride. Through this incident, he wondered if Dr. Jin would keep his promise and properly approve his sick leave. Plus, he earned five Advent Points. Perfect!
Dr. Jin was bewildered, still muttering to himself as he savored the three poems.
Setting aside the first short four-character verse, the second and third poems had profound imagery. Upon careful tasting, the essence of spring seemed to wash over him, making him feel as if he were there. They were composed of ordinary words, yet combined to achieve an extraordinary realm—the hallmark of truly superior poetry.
“But… how could this be?” Dr. Jin looked at Xiao Rui. Reason told him that based on Xiao Rui’s usual performance, he couldn’t have written such poems. But if it was plagiarism, that was certainly impossible. A ghostwriter then? Xiao Rui lived with the Fourth Prince’s family; it was impossible for him to have recruited such a learned scholar.
“Xiao Rui, did you really compose these poems yourself?” Dr. Jin couldn’t help but ask.
Xiao Rui nodded readily and said, “As genuine as they come! After the last class, I thought about it day and dreamed about it night. I felt somehow divinely inspired, which led to these masterpieces. If you ask me to write other poems now, I couldn’t do it. You know my literary talent, Dr. Jin. It seems heaven took pity on me for being sickly yet persistent in attending class, moved by my diligent spirit, and thus enlightened me, allowing verses to flow from my lips.”
After draping himself in a tiger’s skin, he quickly played the timid role. Doing things with a high profile required backing; he couldn’t afford to be the one sticking his neck out.
Dr. Jin’s mouth twitched. If you were diligent, then there were no lazy people under heaven. But his harsh words were already spoken; spilt water couldn’t be gathered back.
“Sit down,” Dr. Jin waved his hand, forced to change the subject.
“Dr. Jin, I might have a stomachache tomorrow. I’d like to ask for leave in advance,” Xiao Rui called out.
Dr. Jin staggered, nearly losing his balance. He quickly steadied himself against the lectern, pressing a hand to his old waist. This waist, which hadn’t given out under his young wife’s antics, must not be strained by you.
Could you have some shame? Knowing tomorrow’s stomachache today—do you think you’re a woman having her monthly cycle? Shameful.
“We’ll talk about it when it hurts tomorrow,” Dr. Jin replied.
“Alright then,” Xiao Rui obediently sat down, finally feeling like he could hold his head high.
Old man, don’t you believe I could recite Tang and Song dynasty poetry until you vomit?
Dr. Jin dared not mention poetry again and began the lesson.
Xiao Rui endured the agony, waiting for class to end.
Xiao Jing stole a glance toward the back door. Seeing that the observer was no longer there, he secretly sighed in relief, then frowned as he scanned Xiao Rui. This seventh brother of his had actually stolen his thunder. Fortunately, his recklessness had likely been noticed by their father. Speaking of which, wasn’t it said that their father intended to test the three princes currently studying?
After class, a eunuch attendant of Emperor Xia arrived, paying respects to Xiao Rui, Xiao Jing, and Xiao Yan.
“Your Highnesses, His Majesty’s verbal decree: Tomorrow at the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the three princes are requested to proceed to Yangxin Pavilion. His Majesty will examine your recent studies,” the attendant eunuch said respectfully.
Xiao Jing was pleased and nodded.
Xiao Rui and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance, worry creasing their brows.
On the way out of Jiwen Hall, Xiao Jing smiled and said, “Seventh Brother, with your poetic talent today, I’m sure you’ll impress Father tomorrow. Father values both literary and martial arts, teaching us to be well-rounded. With such improvement, Father will definitely be happy.”
“Eighth Brother, you flatter me too much. What level your elder brother is at—we all know it well. I only hope to muddle through tomorrow. When the time comes, Eighth Brother must help me break through,” Xiao Rui said.
Xiao Yan peeked at Xiao Rui, secretly amused by his deliberate flattery.
So he also nodded vigorously, agreeing, “Yes, yes, just don’t get severely criticized by Father.”
“How could I compare to Eighth Brother’s outstanding literary talent? Now that you’ve studied under a famous teacher, tomorrow you’ll surely shine brilliantly. Among all us brothers, who could match you?” Xiao Rui praised.
Xiao Jing’s brows carried a hint of joy, an involuntary pride showing in his expression.
Little brat… Xiao Rui grumbled internally. Being so transparent with emotions—how could he compete with his older brothers? He still needed more experience. Speaking of which, the current Emperor Xia was fifty-two years old, robust and healthy; he should be able to live another ten or twenty years, right?
So, why fight for the Crown Prince position? The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
Xiao Rui had been here for over a year now, meeting Emperor Xia only about thirty times in total, each time brief. He didn’t understand this father of his. For the imperial family, the absence of true father-son bonds was normal. So Xiao Rui preferred to speculate about Emperor Xia with the worst assumptions rather than place himself in danger.
Xiao Rui returned to Prince Duan’s Mansion of Xiao Feng. The mansion’s steward presented a large pile of gift boxes, saying, “Your Highness, Ding Daquan, the Vice Minister of War, offers apologies, saying his son was utterly disrespectful and asks for your punishment. Hearing you had entered the palace for lessons, he left these gifts and a letter.”
Xiao Rui took the letter and skimmed through it. It expressed Ding Daquan’s righteous indignation, regretful lessons for Ding Jian, and between the lines, hints of pleading.
“Had you known today, why act that way initially?” Xiao Rui crumpled the letter, then returned to his own residence.
The schedule at Jiwen Hall was five days of classes followed by two days of rest. Mornings were for cultural studies, afternoons for riding and archery. Because Emperor Xia would inspect the three princes’ studies tomorrow, according to unwritten rules, the afternoon riding and archery class was canceled.
So after lunch, Xiao Rui idled away his time hiding in his room playing chess with Gao Quan.
As for how to handle tomorrow’s test, well… he’d think about it tomorrow.
This pitiful era had too few entertainment options, almost driving Xiao Rui mad. Though he had Gao Quan to play chess with, they couldn’t play forever—was he training to become a chess grandmaster?
So after Go, they switched to Chinese chess.
Xiao Rui wondered if he should invent playing cards and mahjong, then find two pretty maids to play with—pleasant to the eye and a good way to pass time.
“Your Highness, if you’re bored, perhaps you could visit the East City market district,” Gao Quan suggested.
Market district?
That reminded Xiao Rui. He asked Gao Quan, “Did you handle the matter I asked you to?”
“All done. It cost fifteen thousand taels total. Bought a three-story shop in the East City market district, using my father’s identity,” Gao Quan replied.
Xiao Rui tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought.
Though he was an Imperial Prince, his mother died early. He had no backing in the rear palace, wasn’t favored by Emperor Xia, and hadn’t courted any civil or military officials. Even if he could establish his own mansion a year later, what kind of residence would the Inner Court Administration assign him? Though he had a stipend, relying solely on it for all expenses wasn’t enough.
Looking at the current situations of the several princes who had already established mansions, the eldest, who had been enfeoffed as a prince for seven years, hadn’t been appointed to any official post nor left the Capital City.
According to the rules of the Great Xia Kingdom, princes who established mansions and were enfeoffed would be appointed by the emperor to serve in various regions—like a certain provincial governor, a certain Military Governor/Jiedushi, etc.—holding important positions far from the Capital City. Only the Crown Prince remained in the Imperial City.
What the current Emperor Xia truly thought, no one could guess.
Xiao Rui still hoped that establishing a mansion and receiving a princedom might lead to an official post outside—how carefree that would be. Staying in the Capital City, not daring to breathe too loudly, living a strained existence on his stipend, and being laughed at by others.
Don’t think that transmigrating into a prince meant a life of luxury and ease. Princes could also know the sorrow of poverty.
So Xiao Rui prepared early, having Gao Quan buy a shop in the market district, planning to do some business to supplement household income in the future.
As for what business to do, Xiao Rui was still undecided.
“Let’s go! Check out the location and environment you chose,” Xiao Rui stood up, changed into plain clothes, and left Prince Duan’s Mansion with Gao Quan.