Fifteen thousand and fifteen
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After causing trouble for the Crown Prince, Fu Yuzhang felt considerably relieved, finding the numerous commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals far less tedious than before. Indeed, one’s happiness often stems from another’s misfortune.
Thinking of how the Crown Prince began diligently studying the Spring and Autumn Annals after reading his letter, Fu Yuzhang was in high spirits.
Fu Yuan, who had observed the entire episode, thought to himself: This boy truly has audacity—to tease His Highness the Crown Prince!
Yet the Crown Prince seemed to enjoy it. Fu Yuan was momentarily unsure whether to reprimand his youngest son’s bold behavior. But since even Emperor Jingshuo turned a blind eye, Fu Yuan decided to let Fu Yuzhang be.
Fu Yuzhang cared little for such concerns. With a godlike perspective, he was steady as an old dog. Although the Crown Prince was headstrong, his tolerance was genuine. A future enlightened ruler, he embraced all rivers and seas. Once, during a morning court session, when two ministers fought in the Hall of Perpetual Peace, scattering wooden tablets almost striking him, the Crown Prince merely smiled and focused entirely on their debate about state affairs.
Such was the temperament of the future sage king; even in childhood, he would not hold a grudge against Fu Yuzhang.
Besides, how could a child’s study be called a hardship? Fu Yuzhang was plainly aiding the Crown Prince’s progress!
He was thoroughly self-righteous.
Upon receiving Fu Yuzhang’s letter, the Crown Prince stiffened his face: “Let me see what this fellow has learned now? The Spring and Autumn Annals? I can finish it easily too? Then I shall learn it as well!”
Countless nights spent burning the midnight oil just to keep pace with Fu Yuzhang's studies, the Crown Prince gritted his teeth: “I shall never lose to that Fu Yuzhang!”
Emperor Jingshuo, upon hearing the Crown Prince’s intention to study the Spring and Autumn Annals, thought to himself: Perhaps it’s better to take it slow. To truly master the Spring and Autumn Annals, considering the several shelves of commentaries in the palace library, he deemed it necessary to save his son from overexertion. “You and Fu Yuzhang are different. He studies the Spring and Autumn Annals; you need not force yourself.”
The Crown Prince was very discontent with this: “I am not forcing myself! I have finished all the books Fu Yuzhang has studied before!”
If he couldn’t surpass Fu Huai’an in learning, how could he lose to Fu Yuzhang, who was just a year younger?
Emperor Jingshuo chuckled and beckoned the Crown Prince to approach, speaking earnestly: “People are born different. Each of the 360 professions has its role, ensuring peace in the realm. If you want to compete with Fu Yuzhang in learning, are you aiming to become the top scholar in the imperial exams?”
The Crown Prince’s eyes brightened: That was not impossible! If he could take the imperial exams in the same year as Fu Yuzhang, he could surely settle the score!
A father knows his son best. Seeing the Crown Prince’s expression, Emperor Jingshuo immediately patted his shoulder and said gravely: “Zhan’er, as the heir apparent, you will one day rule the world. The talent of a top scholar is a blessing, but without the ability to recognize and employ capable people, you would be a mediocre ruler!”
The Crown Prince was struck as if by thunder, his mind roaring, rendering him speechless. He felt that the emperor’s words were profound—the majestic principles of rulership, inspiring a chill. However, still young, he could not fully grasp their depth, only understanding their surface meaning. After much contemplation, he still benefited greatly and respectfully bowed to the emperor: “Your teaching is received!”
Emperor Jingshuo favored the intelligent. If this wise one was also the heir he had high hopes for, it doubled his satisfaction.
Seeing the Crown Prince understand, Emperor Jingshuo smiled and nodded gently: “The sage composed the Spring and Autumn Annals in just nine months. Every word is precious, with no redundancy. It is good that you want to study it, but you need not exhaust yourself like a Confucian scholar. You only need to understand its principles, learn from history, and know how to govern.”
The Crown Prince bowed again, eyes full of admiration, warming Emperor Jingshuo’s heart.
After hearing this, Empress Deng joined her palms in prayer and embraced the Crown Prince: “My son, it’s fortunate your father still favors you. Even if the King of Wu leaves the palace to open his own office and attend court duties, as long as your father’s heart remains steadfast, your position as heir is rock-solid.”
Born and raised within the palace, though young, the Crown Prince had a natural acuity for political struggles and nodded: “Father values me; elder brother is no threat.”
The Empress was greatly relieved and silently thanked Fu Yuzhang. Without this boy’s constant correspondence encouraging the Crown Prince to study, the emperor would not have asked so often about the Crown Prince’s progress.
Fu Yuzhang’s letters were truly interesting. Emperor Jingshuo had secretly read many of them and shared the amusing stories with the Empress. After many years together, the Empress knew well of the emperor’s high regard for the Fu brothers. Known as child prodigies, the Empress felt it was excellent for the Crown Prince to correspond with them.
Otherwise, at the Crown Prince’s age, the emperor would merely see him as a child and would not have started teaching him the way of rulership so early.
Empress Deng was very pleased and pondered how to reward Lady Changping properly. She did not meddle in court affairs but could certainly show favor in matters of the women’s quarters. As mother of the nation and model for all women, her slightest kindness toward Xie Yaoniang would allow her to move confidently among the capital’s ladies.
None of this was known to Fu Yuzhang, who was eagerly anticipating the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
The people of Great Qi loved festivals above all. On holidays, the capital’s citizens would dress neatly and visit teahouses and taverns to chat, share stories, and then invite each other to the entertainment quarters to watch performances by various artists. There was no curfew in Great Qi; on festival nights, flower markets blazed with lights, streets and alleys shone brightly, and celebrations lasted all night. Taverns and teahouses hung vibrant banners and invited lion dance troupes and song-and-dance performers to attract patrons.
Smaller shops, though less wealthy than large taverns, still decorated their awnings and hung exquisitely crafted lanterns. Standing at their doors, they would shout loudly, filling half the street with lively noise.
Performers spared no effort, displaying their finest skills to win applause and fame at the lantern festivals, hoping to attract future audiences.
Fu Yuzhang fondly remembered the lively lantern festival during the Lantern Festival and held limitless expectations for every holiday.
Especially now, no longer a three-year-old toddler but nearly the height of a ten-year-old like Fu Huai’an, the brothers had some ability to protect themselves if they went out together.
Fu Yuzhang was never one to be confined. Having finally reached five years old, he was determined to secure his freedom to go out!
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Upon hearing Fu Yuzhang’s request, Fu Yuan groaned, “Out alone? Are you afraid the kidnappers won’t have silver to celebrate Mid-Autumn and want to hand them some?”
Fu Yuzhang was shocked. “Father, what are you saying? You are Commander of the Infantry! Has the capital’s security really declined so much that even a noble child with a retinue can be snatched by kidnappers?”
That would mean kidnappers were extraordinarily powerful and guards utterly useless.
“Oh, you plan to bring guards? Then it’s fine.”
Fu Yuan relaxed and glanced at the calm and steady Fu Huai’an, certain of his decision. He nodded to Fu Yuzhang: “If you want to go, then go. But take your guards and don’t run off!”
By the end, Fu Yuan’s tone was stern.
Fu Yuzhang was not ungrateful and immediately nodded in assurance: “Father, rest assured. I’ll walk obediently beside the guards and behave!”
Fu Yuan looked suspiciously at the obedient face, his trust in his son wavering.
Fu Yuzhang pouted, and Fu Yuan turned to Fu Huai’an, seriously instructing him: “Watch over your brother well. Don’t let him cause trouble.”
Fu Huai’an responded seriously: “Father, rest assured. I will watch over Brother Zhang carefully.”
Fu Yuzhang was indignant: Where is the trust between father and son? Where is brotherly affection?
But being allowed to go out and play alone was pure joy!
Fu Yuzhang soon cast aside his minor grievances and happily pulled Fu Huai’an along as they rushed outside.
The guards of the Marquis’s mansion had watched Fu Yuzhang grow up and knew the young master’s temperament well. They dared not slack, diligently fulfilling their duty, positioning themselves all around to ensure both young masters were well protected.
Excited, Fu Yuzhang told Fu Huai’an: “I heard that Fan Tower has everything imaginable and is always crowded with guests. Even ministers from court love to visit. Some even skip court secretly to go there, and the emperor can’t find them when summoning!”
Fu Huai’an sighed: “The Crown Prince really writes about everything in his letters.”
The letters between Fu Yuzhang and the Crown Prince were marked by bold thoughts and candid sharing. Beyond matching the Crown Prince’s study pace, Fu Yuzhang shared daily anecdotes: the old lady secretly nibbling on a ham hock, the clumsy koi fish nearly flipping over from overeating, even when his maid switched shifts and he won a small pot of rouge in a game—all these mundane stories carefully shared.
A chatterbox needs no audience; the urge to express is full throttle.
Such vivid letters naturally drew the Crown Prince’s attention and warmed Emperor Jingshuo’s heart, who often smiled knowingly. No wonder he frequently intercepted Fu Yuzhang’s letters to read first before passing them on—such down-to-earth warmth deeply attracted the lofty emperor.
This also fostered a closeness between Emperor Jingshuo and Fu Yuan. Through Fu Yuzhang’s letters, the emperor developed affection for every blade of grass and tree in the Marquis’s estate and naturally felt close to Fu Yuan, the estate’s master and Fu Yuzhang’s father.
Yet, watching Fu Yuan’s usually expressionless, handsome face, the emperor sometimes wondered: How did such a reserved man father such a lively, spirited son like Fu Yuzhang?
Indeed, Fu Yuan himself was baffled seeing Fu Yuzhang pulling along the more composed Fu Huai’an, now somewhat enlivened by his younger brother’s energy.
Fu Yuan’s face hinted a smile as he muttered, “Brat,” before seeking out Master Zhou for a drink.
This time, with the brat not at home, who else would dare to spout nonsense after drinking?
Meanwhile, Fu Yuzhang had already dragged Fu Huai’an to Fan Tower.
As the capital’s largest tavern, Fan Tower was no empty name.
Before reaching the door, Fu Huai’an gestured toward the vermilion posts at the entrance: “Truly befitting the capital’s grandest tavern. Only nobility and princes can use such vermilion posts. This tavern has them too.”
Fu Yuzhang looked and saw the same type at their own gate, used to block horses. This showed that the Great Qi did not strictly enforce distinctions between noble and commoner. Although laws regulated attire and accessories—from the emperor to commoners, merchants forbidden from wearing vermilion or purple, and non-official wives barred from golden jewelry—on the streets, vermilion and purple garments were common, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Fu Yuzhang raised an eyebrow, recalling from his previous life’s history that the Li Tang royal house forbade commoners from eating carp due to the homophony with “Li,” yet commoners still ate it, a similar phenomenon.
Not all laws are enforceable. Restrictions on clothing and living were not strict in Great Qi. Although laws were laxly enforced, the people’s happiness rose noticeably.
No one could truly be happy if their attire was rigidly dictated.
As Fu Yuzhang’s thoughts wandered, he and Fu Huai’an reached Fan Tower’s entrance. Beneath the splendid, colorful archway stood two attendants dressed in purple robes, square scarves on their heads, clean socks and shoes, hands folded respectfully at chest level, bowing slightly, welcoming guests with utmost courtesy.
“Wow, the modern-day greeters at doorways must have learned from their ancestors!”
Observing the attendants’ eager attitude, Fu Yuzhang gave the tavern high marks even before entering.
Inside, the scene was even more extraordinary.
Having been to the palace and seen much, Fu Yuzhang immediately noticed the elaborately decorated coffered ceiling, reserved for royalty, dazzlingly ornate. He marveled at the tavern owner’s boldness—if examined closely, there were many breaches of protocol.
But clearly, no one minded these oversteps. The tavern buzzed with voices: storytellers, singers, and erhu players—all were welcome regardless of status, invited to earn a living.
Fu Yuzhang noticed that all tableware was made of silver. More surprising was the sight of plainly dressed guests taking silver cups home after drinking, and the tavern trusted them to return them later!
“You’re quite generous. Aren’t you afraid of losing your things?”
The attendant proudly replied, “Young master, you don’t know. Guests at Fan Tower are very trustworthy. Those who take silverware home always bring it back.”
Fu Yuzhang was amazed.
Fu Huai’an praised, “Though not quite the utopia where no one steals or locks their doors at night, it hints at a harmonious society.”
Fu Yuzhang asked curiously, “Has no one ever taken advantage?”
The attendant laughed, “A few greedy ones, but the owner doesn’t mind. They just note it down as a joke to share.”
Coincidentally, the storyteller was narrating just such a tale of someone borrowing silverware and not returning it. Laughter periodically echoed through the hall, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an requested a private room, and a tea master soon came to prepare tea with his signature “Phoenix Three Nods” technique, leaving Fu Yuzhang amazed, feeling he had arrived too late to witness such exquisite skill.
What a loss!
His eyes darted around, curious about the famous wines. Their names were enchanting—“Jade Nectar,” “Floating Jade Spring,” “Radiant Glow,” “Jade Frost”…
Fu Yuzhang’s mind raced; he longed to see these exquisite wines.
Though underage and forbidden to drink, with so many guards around, they could order a variety and sample six kinds!
Eager to order, Fu Yuzhang was quickly silenced by a glance from Fu Huai’an. After much persuasion, Fu Huai’an agreed to order a small amount of wine.
The attendants soon brought several dishes. Musicians came to perform with flute and lute, providing lively accompaniment for the guests.
Fu Yuzhang, intrigued, accepted. The room filled with fresh, melodious sounds.
Just as the attendants served wine, a familiar laughter came from the entrance: “You two brothers are quite bold, sneaking out for a drink!”
Fu Yuzhang looked up to see Master Zhou in a green Taoist robe, smiling lightly, with Fu Yuan standing beside him, face cold as water.
Fu Yuzhang’s scalp tightened as he exclaimed, “I ordered this for the guards!”
Master Zhou strode over without ceremony, took a cup, and downed it with a smile: “I’ll consider this your farewell drink.”
Fu Yuzhang was shocked: “Master, where are you going?”
Master Zhou smiled again, “My mentor is about to celebrate his sixtieth birthday. This unworthy disciple must go to offer birthday wishes.”
“The mentor of your master—that’s our grand master!” Fu Yuzhang’s curiosity deepened, feeling no distance, even calling him grand master. “Where does the grand master reside now?”
Master Zhou glanced at Fu Yuzhang: “My mentor shuns fame and fortune and now lives in seclusion in Lin Prefecture.”
Fu Yuzhang sprang up: Jiangnan! I want to go!
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