TN: chapter title “overtly repairing the plank road” refers to a strategy of making one’s intentions obvious while concealing one’s true motives

Wang Zhen pondered for a moment and then figured out the ins and outs of the matter. 

Zhao Fu, during the morning court session today, suddenly proposed the construction of an official road and a canal. The feasibility of this plan was quite low. Throughout history, the construction of canals has always been labor-intensive and costly. Especially constructing a canal towards the north—something unprecedented—it would likely exhaust the national treasury! 

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Zhao Fu was not an incompetent ruler; on the contrary, he had been on the throne for twenty-eight years, skillfully balancing the court’s political factions. From the start, Zhao Fu never intended to build the canal; what he truly wanted was the construction of three official roads leading directly to the north. He first proposed a seemingly impractical policy so that when the ministers objected, he could then appear to concede and agree to the policy of building the three official roads. 

Wang Zhen saw through this, and so did the several ministers present at the morning court session today. Hence, they all cooperated with Zhao Fu in acting out this scene, leading to the decision to build the three official roads. 

However, Wang Zhen didn’t expect that his young junior brother had a hand in this matter as well. 

After leaving Chui Gong Hall, Wang Zhen used his connections to find Ji Fu and inquired a bit, learning that Tang Shen had submitted a memorial earlier that year. Then, connecting this to Tang Shen’s recent promotion to a fifth-rank Chamberlain, Wang Zhen took off the white jade sachet from his waist and played with it in his hand. 

“Jing Ze, oh Jing Ze, you really keep surprising me!” 

The court was now busy with the task of constructing roads—three official roads leading directly to the north, giving the entire court something to do. 

The Ministry of Revenue was responsible for allocating funds, the Ministry of Personnel for deploying officials, the Ministry of War for ensuring security along the routes… The busiest of all was the Ministry of Works. The division within the Ministry of Works responsible for road construction was called the Yu Department, which oversaw mountain resources, waterways, and manufacturing. After the emperor’s edict was issued, all officials of the Yu Department were dispatched to the three road routes. Because three roads were to be built simultaneously, the Yu Department lacked sufficient manpower and had to draw talent from the Water Department and the Institute of Literary Thought. 

Mei Shengze, originally from the Water Department under the Ministry of Works, had just finished refurbishing the Taiye Pool at the end of last year and hadn’t even had a chance to catch his breath before being reassigned to the Yu Department. 

On the nineteenth day of the first month, Mei Shengze was about to leave Shengjing to go to Youzhou. 

“Who knows when I’ll be able to return? The earliest would be next year!” At Xixia Tower, Mei Shengze stood up, raised his cup, and smiled bitterly at his classmates from the Imperial College. “People say I’m fortunate—though I didn’t pass the imperial exams in the top rank, I was kept in Shengjing after the imperial examination and wasn’t sent away. But honestly, I’d rather have been sent away!” 

Mei Shengze was leaving, and his classmates from the Imperial College gathered at Xixia Tower to bid him farewell. 

Liu Fang, who had also stayed in Shengjing as an official, now working under the Ministry of Revenue, raised his cup and said, “Sheng Ze, what are you talking about? The construction of these three roads is big business now.” 

Mei Shengze said helplessly, “It’s big business, but what does it have to do with a little sixth-rank official like me?” 

Everyone kept urging Mei Shengze to eat and drink, and he drank so much in his misery that he soon passed out at the banquet. Tang Shen asked Shopkeeper Lu to find a private room where Mei Shengze could rest for the afternoon. By evening, Mei Shengze woke up groggy, finding that all his classmates from the Imperial College had left, except for Tang Shen, who remained. 

Back at the Imperial College, Mei Shengze had always been closest to Tang Shen. Now that it was just the two of them, he didn’t hold back and complained bitterly to Tang Shen: “Jing Ze, tell me, what kind of karma have I incurred? Usually, being kept in the capital as an official is seen as a promising future. But look at me—one step into the Ministry of Works, and I’m already assigned to repair roads just after finishing the pool. If I had known, I wouldn’t have studied Confucianism so hard; I should’ve read more about engineering instead!” 

Tang Shen poured him a cup of sobering tea and said, “It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.” 

Mei Shengze replied, “Not as bad as I’m making it out to be? It’s true, constructing three official roads to the north is indeed this year’s major project. Whether it’s mobilizing craftsmen from the populace or planning the routes, there’s a lot of maneuvering involved.” 

With such a large project, even without embezzlement, the officials involved could still gain a decent amount of benefits. 

“But what does this have to do with me?” Mei Shengze lamented, looking up at the sky. “Why did His Majesty suddenly decide to build these roads? Which damned official suggested this idea? He just opened his mouth, and we small officials have to work ourselves to death for a year!” 

Tang Shen solemnly declared, “Whoever proposed this idea is truly inhumane!” His expression was righteous, as if he genuinely shared Mei Shengze’s indignation. 

After seeing Mei Shengze off, Tang Shen unexpectedly received several invitations. 

The first was from Xu Si, the former fifth-rank chamberlain. There were three chamberlains, and when Tang Shen was promoted to chamberlain, Xu Si was pushed out and became a fourth-rank director of the Yu Department. Originally, Xu Si thought this was a superficial promotion but a demotion in reality, and he was quite bitter. But then the court announced the construction of three official roads, and suddenly Xu Si’s fortunes turned. 

Mei Shengze, being only a sixth-rank official, could only get a small share of the benefits from the road construction, with the majority unrelated to him. But Xu Si was different. For a time, Xu Si was in the spotlight. He hosted a banquet for his colleagues, preparing to head to Youzhou. 

At the banquet, Xu Si toasted Tang Shen, who respectfully returned the toast. 

Xu Si said, “It turns out His Majesty is so far-sighted. I was too narrow-minded before. I even envied you, Jing Ze, and I truly apologize for that.” 

Tang Shen replied, “I wish you a smooth journey, Xu daren.” 

If the roads were built well, Xu Si wouldn’t just make a profit; he might even get promoted. 

After Xu Si left, the next to go was unexpectedly Wang Xiao. 

In the twenty-seventh year of Kaiping, the top scorer Yao Shan and the third-place finisher Tang Shen entered the Secretariat, becoming fifth-rank chamberlains. Only the second-place finisher Wang Xiao seemed to be forgotten by Zhao Fu, remaining in the Hanlin Academy as a seventh-rank compiler for an entire year. Now that the court was going to build roads, he suddenly received an appointment, promoted to fifth-rank Assistant Director of the Yu Department, to immediately head to Ningzhou for road construction. (TN: The term “员外” (Assistant Director) was a title for an official position, often indicating a rank just outside of the core leadership but still holding a responsible and significant role within the department.)

It was truly a year of silence followed by a sudden rise. 

Of their class of jinshi graduates, more than half had already left Shengjing, with the remaining few gathering at Qianli Tower. 

Tang Shen and Yao Shan hadn’t seen Wang Xiao for half a year, and now that they met again, all three were filled with emotion. 

Wang Xiao looked as if he had aged five years. Although he was only in his thirties, there was already gray hair at his temples. He raised his cup to toast Tang Shen and Yao Shan, but they didn’t say much, just drank together. Late into the night, Wang Xiao left to return home. Three days later, he packed his belongings and headed north to Ningzhou. Yet before his departure, a guest came to visit. 

Wang Xiao personally went out to greet the visitor; it was the steward from the Minister of Revenue’s residence. 

Wang Xiao welcomed Wang Zhen’s steward into his home. The steward handed Wang Xiao a letter, saying, “The Minister is busy with state affairs and could not come to see you in person. He wrote this letter and specifically asked me to deliver it. After you arrive in Ningzhou, if you encounter any urgent matters, just present this letter to the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.” 

Having been in Shengjing for two years, Wang Xiao had long given up on relying on his distant relative Wang Zhen. Now, holding this letter, he suddenly burst into tears. 

“Thank you, Minister!” 

Ten years of hard study, only to find Shengjing cold and unwelcoming.

Now, he sets off on the road to the north, welcoming a brand new life.

The imperial court was planning to construct three official roads, leading respectively to Youzhou, Cizhou, and Ningzhou. These three regions are at the border between the Song Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom, located to the northwest, directly north, and northeast. In fact, the construction of three official roads is a ruse; the Song Dynasty’s real intention is to build the road leading to Youzhou.

The construction of the Youzhou official road is personally supervised by Minister Yuan Mu of the Ministry of Works.

Youzhou is the most crucial stronghold for the Song Dynasty’s defense against the Liao army. Building a road directly to Youzhou is not only for the convenience of delivering military intelligence during normal times, but also to expedite the transportation of provisions to the front lines in the event of war between the two countries.

Tang Shen merely suggested in a memorial that Zhao Fu could ‘openly repair the plank roads while secretly crossing the Chencang,’ using subterfuge, constructing three roads to cover up the real intention of building the Youzhou road. However, he did not expect that Zhao Fu would choose Ningzhou as the third road. (TN: It refers to a strategy of creating a visible diversion or distraction while carrying out the real plan in secret. It originates from a historical event in ancient China, where Han general Liu Bang used this tactic to deceive his enemies. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone pretends to act one way to mislead others while pursuing a hidden agenda.)

Ningzhou is located in the northeast of the Song Dynasty, and Luohe Town is in the northern part of Ningzhou!

The Ningzhou road is the easiest to build, being the shortest route. As a result, even if Xixia Tower fails to establish its channel this year, they can still use the official road to transport lamb and beef by the end of the year, without needing to cater to the whims of the Liao merchant Yelü Jiu.

When they heard the news that the court was going to build roads, Yao San and Shopkeeper Lu were overjoyed.

In March, Yao San set off for Luohe Town to investigate the progress of the road construction. Tang Huang had been cooped up in Shengjing for half a year and was feeling restless, so she insisted that Yao San take her along. Yao San couldn’t refuse and had to take Tang Huang on the journey.

In April, the two returned from Luohe Town.

Yao San said, “Little boss, the Ningzhou road is being built really fast! There are no mountains or rivers in the way, mostly flat plains. Now that the road is under construction, from what I saw along the way, at least a sixth of it is already completed. I’m sure it will be finished by the end of the year!”

As a chamberlain, Tang Shen had heard many reports from officials of the Ministry of Works returning from the north while recording the emperor’s daily activities, and the construction progress was about the same as what Yao San described. The road to Youzhou was the hardest to build, followed by the road to Cizhou, while the Ningzhou road was the easiest.

Tang Huang said, “Actually, the Song Dynasty has always had a road going north, but these newly constructed three are different. The new roads go straight to the north without any detours, and they’re wider. In places prone to rain, they’re even paved with gravel.”

Tang Shen then looked at Tang Huang.

He had been in this world for four years now, and Tang Huang had grown from a nine-year-old girl to a thirteen-year-old young lady.

While most girls liked to stay in their boudoirs, embroidering and painting, after Tang Huang came to Shengjing, she frequently visited Xixia Tower.

When Tang Huang wanted to go to Luohe Town this time, Tang Shen originally intended to stop her, but looking at his sister’s determined expression and her face, which was not as fair as that of other girls, he refrained from doing so.

The common people are not allowed to have national maps, so Tang Huang took a piece of rice paper and, based on her memory of the journey north, drew a rough sketch on it. She said, “Most of the trade between the Liao Kingdom and the Song Dynasty happens in Ningzhou. The Ningzhou road will be finished by the end of the year at the latest. When that happens, unless the weather is extremely bad, goods from Ningzhou can be delivered to Shengjing in a single day. Now, look to the south.”

The little girl, with her not-so-delicate hands, drew a winding line to the south: “From Shengjing to the south, there’s the Grand Canal. A regular passenger boat can reach Qiantang from Shengjing in half a month. But this is taking it slow and steady; if you want to go faster, it can take at most five days to travel from the south to the north.”

Tang Shen looked at his sister, his tone serious: “So?”

Suddenly being questioned, Tang Huang was stunned for a moment. She opened her mouth and turned back into a thirteen-year-old girl.

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After thinking for a while, Tang Huang stammered, “Brother, I just think that with such good transportation conditions, it seems like we could do something more… Didn’t you say that the biggest advantage of our Xixia Tower and Zhenbao Pavilion in Gusu is not the soap, but Tang’s Logistics?’

Tang Shen looked intently at Tang Huang, and after a long time, he smiled and said, “You’re right. With such good conditions, not taking advantage of them would indeed be a waste!”

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That day, when Tang Shen and Yao Shan returned home, it wasn’t long before eunuchs arrived at the Zhuangyuan Residence and the Tanhua Residence with gifts.

Zhao Fu had sent each of them a fox fur coat and many palace delicacies. Tang Shen and Yao San had both been to Luohe Town and dealt with the Liao people. Especially Yao San, who was familiar with many Liao merchants. The Liao kingdom produced fine mink fur coats, and Yao San marveled at the fox fur coat given by Zhao Fu, saying: “Little boss, this coat has such glossy fur, it’s rare even in the Liao kingdom. It’s truly excellent material!”

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Tang Shen silently caressed the fox fur coat, closed his eyes, and sighed softly.

After storing the fox fur coat in his wardrobe, Tang Shen entered the study and began grinding ink. The candlelight flickered in the study as Tang Shen pondered for a long time, dipped his brush in ink, unfolded a memorial, and wrote carefully. The next day, he sent the memorial up, and after another three days, Li Shu and Tang Shen were on duty together when Zhao Fu kept Tang Shen behind alone.

Li Shu glanced at Tang Shen in surprise, then bowed and left.

Under the lead of Ji Fu, Tang Shen entered the Immortal Ascension Platform.

The Immortal Ascension Platform was lit with ninety-nine candlesticks, arranged in three layers and four directions, surrounding Zhao Fu in the center. In front of Zhao Fu was a row of bronze candlesticks, each holding a perpetual flame. Zhao Fu wore a white Daoist robe and sat among them. He was not wearing a dragon crown but had casually pinned his hair with a hairpin. A few strands of white hair fell on his shoulders; he looked nothing like an emperor who commands the world but rather like a transcendental Daoist.

Li Shu had said that, apart from a few officials from the Palace Secretariat, only the Marshal of the West, Li Jingde, the Minister of Revenue, Wang Zifeng, and the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Su Wenyun, were allowed to enter the Immortal Ascension Platform. Tang Shen wondered if those people visited frequently or had only been there once.

But in any case, Tang Shen was there today.

Zhao Fu sat in the center of the candlesticks, still as an immortal, as if he had even stopped breathing.

After a long while, he exhaled softly, opened his eyes, and said to Tang Shen, “Jing Ze, what did you see today when you met me?”

It is said that accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger; upon hearing this, even Ji Fu looked somewhat bewildered.

Zhao Fu was the most peculiar during his time cultivating, with an eccentric and unpredictable temperament. Sometimes he would laugh heartily, other times he would become furious. Several eunuchs and Daoist page boys had died in the Immortal Ascension Platform. Zhao Fu could maintain a facade of a wise ruler outside, but once inside the Immortal Ascension Platform, he no longer considered himself an emperor but rather an immortal.

Ji Fu didn’t know how to respond, and Tang Shen didn’t understand either.

But he only panicked for a moment before calming down. His remarkable memory made many Daoist classics flash instantly in his mind, from the Book of Changes and Zhuangzi to the Book of Dao and Huainanzi. Tang Shen bowed and spoke gracefully, “The highest virtue does not act virtuously, hence it is virtuous. The lowest virtue does not lose virtue, hence it is unvirtuous. I observe that Your Majesty transcends the world, and what is seen is not seen; it is as if seeing and not seeing at the same time.”

Zhao Fu laughed heartily.

Ji Fu, who could not read many characters, did not understand Tang Shen’s words but, seeing Zhao Fu’s happy expression, thought to himself, Didn’t expect Tang daren to flatter him even better than he does! Today we’ve met a real expert.

Zhao Fu said, “You may leave now.”

Ji Fu was somewhat surprised but bowed and said, “Yes.”

When the main gate closed, only two young Daoist page boys guarding the perpetual flames, Zhao Fu, and Tang Shen remained in the Immortal Ascension Platform.

Zhao Fu sat cross-legged, looking at Tang Shen, “Jing Ze, have you been to the Liao State?”

Tang Shen immediately bowed and said, “I have not been there.”

“Oh, then what does the memorial you wrote mean?”

Tang Shen explained, “I have not been to the Liao State, but I have been to Luohe Town. Your Majesty may not know, but Luohe Town is a small town on the border between the Song and Liao states, located in the northeast of Song territory. Our western northern towns often have conflicts with Liao, but to the east, there is more trade.”

Zhao Fu nodded.

Tang Shen continued, “I once visited Luohe Town with my family and saw one or two Liao merchants and some Liao people on the streets. These Liao people appeared friendly on the surface, but they were arrogant and vulgar, showing no respect and never considering us Song people. If even the small Liao merchants are like this, one can imagine how the Liao court views us. Therefore, I, lacking talent, hope Your Majesty will be clear-sighted; those Liao people are wolves and tigers, not to be underestimated!”

Zhao Fu’s gaze moved past Tang Shen to the nine perpetual flames behind him.

Tang Shen kept his head down, not daring to make a sound, even holding his breath.

Zhao Fu said, “I understand. You may go.”

Tang Shen bowed and stepped back. Only after leaving the Immortal Ascension Platform did he straighten his back. He first bowed to the Chief Eunuch Ji Fu outside the door. Ji Fu, pleasantly surprised, said, “Tang daren, you’re overvaluing me.” Although he said this, his expression was calm, as if it were only natural.

Tang Shen left the Immortal Ascension Platform and returned home.

The next day, an official from the Ministry of Personnel arrived at the Palace Secretariat office and found Tang Shen, who was reading the “Chronicles of the Former Emperor”. The official presented a decree, and all the chamberlains and junior chamberlains in the room knelt down. The official loudly read the decree: “To the Department, I, having received the mandate of Heaven, promote Junior Chamberlain Tang Shen, a cultured and humble gentleman, who respects the court and manages a small office while also handling peripheral tasks. He is now appointed as a fifth-rank Chamberlain, effective immediately. Given on the 28th year of Kaiping, the first month.”

At the same time, the official presented another decree: “To the Department, I, having received the mandate of Heaven, promote Chamberlain Xu Si, a diligent and benevolent gentleman, to the fourth-rank director of the Yu Department in the Ministry of Works, effective immediately. Given on the 28th year of Kaiping, the first month.” (TN: This title refers to a mid-level official in the Yu Department, which deals with construction, water management, and public works, under the Ministry of Works.)

Everyone was greatly astonished. Tang Shen and Xu Si received the decrees.

After the official from the Ministry of Personnel left, everyone congratulated Xu Si and Tang Shen on their promotions. Xu Si smiled bitterly and said, “Thank you, colleagues.”

Xu Si’s promotion from a fifth-rank Chamberlain to a fourth-rank Ministry of Works official might seem like a promotion, but it also meant leaving the center of imperial power and no longer being able to frequently see the emperor! Chamberlains and Junior Chamberlains typically end up in one of two situations: either they are promoted directly to higher-ranking Palace Secretariat officials, allowing them to frequently see the emperor, or they completely distance themselves from the center of power.

Xu Si’s future might not stop at a fourth-rank official, but re-entering the Palace Secretariat would be difficult. He would need to become a minister of a department to return to the center of power.

Everyone then congratulated Tang Shen.

Tang Shen, showing surprise, cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, colleagues.”

Xu Si looked at Tang Shen with a hint of jealousy and envy.

The promotion of two fourth- and fifth-rank officials caused only minor ripples in the court. However, in the 28th year of Kaiping, shortly after the New Year, Emperor Zhao Fu issued an edict to build a new official road and canal extending north from Shengjing!

This news caused a large stir among the court officials.

Xu Linghou, the Left Deputy Minister of Revenue, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, it has been eighteen years since the Song and Liao states signed the peace treaty in the 10th year of Kaiping. However, in these eighteen years, there have been continuous natural disasters. To cite a few recent examples, there was the southern snow disaster three years ago and last year’s severe drought in Henan. With the treasury not abundant, the construction of an official road and canal should be reconsidered.”

Xie Cheng, the Right Deputy Minister of Works, waved his sleeve and said, “There have been natural disasters throughout history, but wars have been avoided for eighteen years. If there are no man-made disasters, only natural ones, why is the treasury not sufficient? Deputy Minister Xu’s implication is that the natural disasters during your office are more severe than before?”

Wang Zhen, who had been listening quietly, suddenly lifted his eyes and looked at Xie Cheng.

Xu Linghou’s face turned red, “I did not mean that! As for the official road, it is acceptable, but historically, the construction of canals has always been costly. I hope Your Majesty will extend the deadline and not rush into it.”

Xie Cheng announced, “I believe that the Grand Canal of the previous dynasty began in Shengjing and extended south to Qiantang, connecting to the south. Constructing a new canal to the north will connect the north and south, bringing benefits for a thousand years!”

For a moment, all the ministers offered their advice.

Emperor Zhao Fu sat on the throne, waiting for the ministers to finish their arguments and exhaust themselves before looking at Yuan Mu, the Minister of Works, and asking, “Yuan qing, what do you think?”

Yuan Mu stepped forward and saluted, “Regarding the matter of connecting to the north, it is a benefit for eternity. I believe it is a great good.”

Zhao Fu looked at Wang Zhen and asked, “What do you think, Zi Feng?”

Wang Zhen stepped out from the ranks of officials and bowed, “In ancient times, Emperor Yang connected the south, which was beneficial for a hundred generations. Your Majesty connecting the north, making both north and south connected, is indeed a great event for eternity. However, Emperor Yang’s canal project benefited from the many rivers in the south and the annual rainfalls. In the northern Song, rivers are scarce and droughts are frequent. I believe that the canal project should be postponed and instead, we should abandon the canal and repair three main roads to connect the east, west, and true north.”

The Ministry of Revenue officials immediately agreed, “I believe so.”

Yuan Mu looked at Wang Zhen, who was staring down at the ground, and thought to himself that while Wang Zhen spoke flawlessly, he was clearly trying to spend less money. Yuan Mu mentally cursed Wang Zifeng but also acknowledged that building a canal to the north was indeed costly and laborious, so he also agreed, “I believe so.”

Zhao Fu said, “Then as Zi Feng suggested, the court is dismissed.”

After the court was dismissed, Yuan Mu blocked Wang Zhen on the palace road. Wang Zhen smiled slightly, and Yuan Mu, speechless, asked, “We really can’t build the canal?”

Wang Zhen replied, “The Ministry of Revenue can afford it, but can your Ministry of Works build it?”

Yuan Mu was left stumped.

Indeed, his Ministry of Works really couldn’t manage to build a canal to the north!

At that moment, the chief eunuch Ji Fu came over. He first bowed and then said to Wang Zhen, “Wang daren, His Majesty summons you.”

Wang Zhen followed Ji Fu to the Shuiguang Hall.

Upon meeting, Zhao Fu seemed in a good mood and immediately smiled, “Zi Feng already knew?”

Wang Zhen glanced around. The chamberlain on duty today was Li Shu, and the Junior chamberlain was named Guo Hui. Both were Zhao Fu’s trusted aides. Zhao Fu spoke to Wang Zhen in private, and neither of the two men made any note of it in the “Daily Records.”

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Wang Zhen, puzzled, asked, “I do not understand what Your Majesty means.”

Zhao Fu, who was evidently in a good mood, got down from his throne, circled Wang Zhen for a while, and then said, “You really don’t know! Then it seems that the hearts of you and your junior brother are linked as one to have such tacit understanding.”

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In the 27th year of the Kaiping era, on the fourth day of the twelfth lunar month.

On both sides of Zhengyang Gate western street, all kinds of shops and buildings lined the street. As one walked west along the street, just when the shadow of the Grand Canal came into view from a distance, the four-story building of Shengjing’s top restaurant, Qianli Tower, could be seen. About half a mile north of Qianli Tower stood a two-story restaurant.

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This restaurant was originally named “Zhaohui Tower,” taken from the saying, “The morning sun and evening clouds create infinite wonders.” Unfortunately, just like its name, Zhaohui Tower had indeed seen better days, once renowned in Shengjing over a decade ago, but now it had long since fallen into decline.

Two months ago, someone took over Zhaohui Tower. Today, on this cold winter day, a group of lion dancers could be seen performing with gongs and drums in front of the building.

Zhengyangmen Street spans the east and west of Shengjing, making it the most bustling commercial street. The lively scene of the lion dance quickly attracted crowds of onlookers. Suddenly, a middle-aged man in a colorful opera robe emerged from behind the lion dancers, holding a large clay pot. With a light tap on the pot, a snow-white rabbit jumped out.

“Well done!”

The onlookers cheered in admiration.

Tang Shen and Shopkeeper Lu stood at a distance, watching from afar.

Shopkeeper Lu, with a wry smile, said, “Little boss, how did you come up with so many tricks? When other restaurants open, they usually just hire a lion dance team. But you’ve brought in magicians, monkey trainers, and acrobats.”

Tang Shen countered, “Look at those people; don’t they look entertained?”

Before Shopkeeper Lu could reply, Tang Huang immediately chimed in, “Entertained? Even I find it fascinating!”

Shopkeeper Lu sighed and said, “Of course it’s fascinating. We’ve spent a lot of money, so it has to be.”

After the lion dance and the performers finished their acts, Tang Shen stayed back while telling Shopkeeper Lu and Yao San, “You go ahead and cut the ribbon.”

Shopkeeper Lu hesitated and asked, “Little boss, you’re not going?”

Tang Shen cutting the ribbon and unveiling the sign wouldn’t be a problem, especially since officials engaging in commerce weren’t uncommon in this dynasty. But after some thought, he replied, “I’m going to go pick up Sir and Senior Brother. Tang Huang, you should go too.”

Tang Huang happily nodded and joined Shopkeeper Lu and Yao San at the front of the restaurant. The three of them received the ribbon and the ceremonial ball from the “lion’s” mouth and cut the ribbon together. Then, Tang Huang gently pulled the red ribbon on the sign, and with a light tug, the red cloth fell, revealing three elegant characters:

Xixia Tower.

The people of Shengjing were amazed to see that the owner of Xixia Tower was a pretty young lady. The earlier lion dance and magic tricks had already attracted many customers, and now they all flocked into Xixia Tower. Unlike Qianli Tower, which had four floors, Xixia Tower had only two floors, limiting the number of guests it could accommodate.

But even after the restaurant was full, the customers didn’t leave. Instead, the waiter suggested, “Dear guests, would you like to wait a while in the tea lounge?”

A young scholar was surprised and asked, “Tea lounge?”

Waiter: “Yes, please follow me.”

Once inside the tea lounge, everything became clear.

There were storytelling troupes, tea, and snacks, all prepared. The people of Shengjing had never seen a restaurant that spared no expense like this. The customers hadn’t even ordered food yet, but they were already being served tea, snacks, and free storytelling.

The scholar, doubtful, asked, “Is this really free? You’re not going to charge for the tea and snacks, are you?”

Waiter: “Of course not! Just relax and wait.”

Free tea, free snacks, and storytelling—who wouldn’t enjoy that? Before long, even the tea lounge of Xixia Tower was filled with waiting customers.

Tang Shen soon arrived with Fu Wei, personally leading him to a private room on the second floor.

The two of them ordered a hot pot and some dishes. By the time the beef, lamb, vegetables, and fruits were all served, Wang Zhen finally arrived.

Wang Zhen, still in his official robe, entered the room with a smile and said, “Sorry for being late.”

Fu Wei, who often skipped work at the Hanlin Academy, spent his days at home, playing with birds and tending to flowers, living a leisurely life. Upon hearing this, he said to his youngest student, “Jing Ze, look at your senior brother. He made your teacher wait for half an hour, and now he thinks he can brush it off with a simple ‘Sorry for being late’?”

Tang Shen thought to himself that it hadn’t even been twenty minutes since they entered Xixia Tower. But aloud, he said, “Senior Brother is busy with his duties, so it’s understandable that he was delayed.”

Wang Zhen took a seat, poured himself a cup of tea, and casually remarked, “Half an hour?” As he said this, his gaze casually swept over Fu Wei.

Fu Wei, feeling guilty, raised his voice, “Yes, half an hour. Zi Feng, have you figured out how to compensate your teacher and your junior brother for this half-hour delay?”

Wang Zhen: “How about I treat you to this meal?”

Tang Shen quickly said, “Senior Brother, today I invited both you and Sir. How could I let you pay?”

But Fu Wei pressed Tang Shen down, saying, “Ai, you don’t understand. Do you know what position your Senior Brother holds?”

Tang Shen was puzzled, “Minister of Revenue?”

Fu Wei laughed heartily, pointed his chopsticks at Wang Zhen, and said, “Your senior brother is the most financially powerful official in the world!”

This was too much information, and Tang Shen kept his thoughts to himself, saying nothing.

The dishes were all served, but the water in the hot pot hadn’t yet boiled. After drinking too much tea, Fu Wei excused himself to relieve himself, leaving Tang Shen and Wang Zhen alone in the private room.

“Don’t listen to our teacher’s nonsense.”

Tang Shen looked up to see Wang Zhen holding the lid of his teacup, gently skimming off the tea’s surface.

Wang Zhen: “Junior Brother has some properties in Gusu…”

Tang Shen: “Senior Brother?” Why bring this up now?

Wang Zhen smiled and said, “I also have some properties in Jinling.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Are you trying to explain that your wealth doesn’t come from corruption, but from legitimate sources?

Not long after, Fu Wei returned, and the water in the copper pot began to boil. Fu Wei picked up a thin slice of lamb, gently swirled it in the boiling water until it changed color, then dipped it in the sauce dish and took a bite. “Tender and flavorful, truly exquisite! The ancients used rabbit meat for this dish, but who would have thought lamb would be even more delicious!”

Tang Shen smiled and said, “Sir, please try the beef as well.” As he spoke, he swirled a slice of beef in the pot and placed it in Fu Wei’s bowl.

Fu Wei winked at him, “This beef, did you get it from the Liao people?”

Tang Shen coughed twice.

Wang Zhen was busy swirling beef in the pot, then moved on to lamb. He watched as Tang Shen continued serving meat to Fu Wei, while his own bowl remained pitifully empty. The Minister of Revenue self-deprecatingly muttered, “Am I just a lonely old man?” Just as he finished speaking, Tang Shen placed a piece of lamb in his bowl.

Wang Zhen paused, then looked up.

Tang Shen smiled sweetly and said, “I used the serving chopsticks, Senior Brother. Don’t worry, they’re perfectly clean.” No trace of my saliva.

Wang Zhen’s lips curled into a faint smile.

The three of them—teacher and students—enjoyed a steaming pot of boxiagong. Wang Zhen had to go to the yamen in the afternoon, so he left first. Tang Shen and Fu Wei continued eating for another half hour. Fu Wei, very satisfied, was about to leave when he heard the storyteller at the tea lounge recounting a story, so he stayed for another half hour before leaving.

In the evening, Yao Shan, Wang Xiao, Mei Shengze, and other colleagues and friends of Tang Shen also came to the Xixia Tower.

Mei Shengze took a bite of the lamb hotpot and was so impressed that he composed a poem on the spot: “The misty haze subtly veils, transforming into awe as it enters the mouth.”

After these scholars and officials left, Tang Shen called in Shopkeeper Lu: “Do you know how to advertise our Xixia Tower starting tomorrow?”

Shopkeeper Lu was initially surprised: “Advertise?”

Before Tang Shen could speak, Tang Huang said, “I know about it. ‘Advertise widely’ is for advertising. My brother told me.”

Tang Shen laughed and scolded, “Just you know? Why are you still here instead of going home?”

Tang Huang replied, “It’s the grand opening of Xixia Tower. I’m waiting until it closes before going back. You haven’t gone home either.”

Tang Shen ignored her and continued to ask Shopkeeper Lu.

Shopkeeper Lu pondered for a moment and said, “In Shengjing, we’re the only restaurant specializing in boxiagong. We’ve moved the Gusu model here, and it seems the people of Shengjing like it very much.”

Tang Shen reminded him, “Not only that, but the market in Shengjing is much larger than in Gusu!”

As Shopkeeper Lu was about to speak, Tang Huang, after some thought, suddenly said, “Guests and scholars gather here in droves.”

Tang Shen and Shopkeeper Lu turned their heads to look at the thirteen-year-old girl.

Tang Huang was startled by their gaze and said cautiously, “I just remembered that this restaurant was originally called Zhaohui Tower. Accountant Lin taught me this passage: ‘Morning light fades to dusk, and the weather changes infinitely… Guests and scholars gather here.’ Today, the top scholars are all dining at Xixia Tower. Isn’t that exactly guests and scholars? Um, did I say something wrong?”

Shopkeeper Lu suddenly understood: “I see now, little boss. I’ll go and take care of it tomorrow.”

Tang Shen nodded and glanced at Tang Huang helplessly: “Let’s go home!”

The siblings went home together.

The next day, news spread from somewhere that the newly opened Xixia Tower on the western street of Zhengyang Gate was the most popular place among scholars in Shengjing. Instantly, scholars flocked to Xixia Tower. Even ordinary citizens who wanted to experience scholarly ambiance loved to go to Xixia Tower.

Shopkeeper Lu had the poem written by the top scholar Mei Shengze framed and hung in the center of the restaurant. Tang Shen even sent Mei Shengze a pot of wine as thanks.

Currently it was during the cold winter season, so business at Xixia Tower was booming and the restaurant quickly gained a reputation throughout Shengjing.

At the end of the twelfth lunar month, approaching the New Year, it was the turn of Yao Shan and Tang Shen to be on duty.

They had been on duty for two months now and were handling the emperor’s daily records with ease. As close aides to the emperor, they occasionally attracted Zhao Fu’s attention.

On this day, during the deep winter, snow began to fall from the sky. Zhao Fu had been handling state affairs in the Chui Gong Hall but went to the inner palace when a concubine reported illness. Tang Shen and Yao Shan waited quietly at the palace gate. After an hour, Zhao Fu came through the inner palace gate.

Ji Fu, bent over, carefully held an umbrella to shield Zhao Fu from the falling snow.

When Zhao Fu came out of the inner palace, he saw that snow had accumulated on Tang Shen’s and Yao Shan’s heads. Zhao Fu was surprised and then said, “Have you been waiting here all this time?”

Tang Shen and Yao Shan said yes.

Zhao Fu jokingly pointed at Tang Shen’s hair and said to Ji Fu, “Look, Yao qing is fine; he’s over forty and has white hair already. But Tang qing, who used to have black hair, now looks like an old man.” Saying this, Zhao Fu had two eunuchs come up to hold umbrellas for Yao Shan and Tang Shen. (TN: qing=term used by the emperor for his subjects)

Tang Shen looked up and quietly glanced at Zhao Fu.

Back in the Chui Gong Hall, Zhao Fu had Tang Shen and Yao Shan change their clothes first.

When they returned, Zhao Fu took a red brush and wrote comments on a memorial, then slowly set down his pen. He looked up from the imperial seat and spoke in a gentle, elegant voice: “Wen Ji, how long have you been by my side?”

Wen Ji was Yao Shan’s courtesy name. Zhao Fu’s sudden address made Yao Shan feel honored and he immediately stood up, saying, “I have served as the Chamberlain for two months.”

Zhao Fu seemed to remember: “Yes, two months. Jing Ze and Wen Ji came together, so it’s been two months for both?”

Tang Shen stood up and performed a respectful bow: “Yes.”

Zhao Fu smiled: “Wen Ji is from Shengjing and has seen such heavy snow before. Jing Ze, you seem to be from Jiangnan?”

Tang Shen’s fingers tightened, and he replied calmly: “I am from Gusu.”

“Has Gusu ever had such heavy snow?”

Tang Shen: “It’s rare in other years, but I have seen such heavy snow during the southern snow disaster a few years ago.”

Hearing this, Zhao Fu showed a reminiscent expression: “The southern snow disaster a few years ago… Ah, it was that year. Jing Ze was still young then.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“I was thirteen that year.”

Zhao Fu asked a few more questions but then stopped asking Tang Shen and turned to inquire about Yao Shan’s experiences on the battlefield in the border regions. Yao Shan had abandoned his pen for military service twenty years ago and had fought on the battlefield. Zhao Fu had always paid special attention to Yao Shan because he was one of the few martial generals among the scholars.

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