"Prince."
The candle flame flickered, and Xin Yi looked up abruptly. Only then did he realize the sky had grown dark. He was the only one left sitting in the hall, with Xiao Su standing a few paces away, holding a candle.
In the swaying light, only a few thin pages remained of the sealed dossier beneath his fingers. Understanding why Xiao Su was waiting, Xin Yi closed the file and handed it over. He had already committed most of its contents to memory; these final pages were merely repetitive administrative jargon, unnecessary to read further.
Xiao Su took the dossier and tucked it into his sleeve. He said to Xin Yi, "It is late. Please be careful on your way back, Prince."
Xin Yi did not move, slowly writing a few words on a piece of paper.
*Thank you.*
"I am merely following orders," Xiao Su said with a slight smile. "An umbrella has been prepared under the veranda. Please, Prince."
Xin Yi leaned forward in a bow. Xiao Su stepped slightly to the side, declining to accept the full gesture. Xin Yi did not insist; he set down his brush and rose to leave. After he departed, Xiao Su took the paper with the words "Thank you" and burned it to ash over the candle. With a gentle breath, he blew the remains away until nothing was left.
Xin Yi stepped out of the hall and stood under the veranda. From this vantage point, looking past the long pavilion opposite him, the Imperial Palace came into view. Night had fallen, and palace lanterns hung from the eaves, swaying in the light snow. To Xin Yi’s eyes, they looked like wide-open, rounded eyes peering out from the heights, spying on the surroundings under the cover of darkness. His straight back felt somewhat stiff, and the smile was gone from his face, replaced by a sense of indifferent desolation.
It was as if he were looking down upon that vast palace, or perhaps looking coldly at himself for insisting on digging up the truth.
Xin Yi exhaled a heavy breath of cold air and stepped down the stairs.
As February faded and the beginning of the third lunar month arrived, Zhang Taiyan recommended Hou Ke of the Hanlin Academy for the position of Director of the Secretariat. He Anchang requested to resign from his post as Vice Grand Councilor on the grounds of illness, but the Emperor did not grant it. In April, the Crown Prince took the lead in submitting a memorial requesting the implementation of the "Northern Trade Decree." The intent was to transform Beiyang into a commercial hub for trade with Dayuan. While the title of Prince of Yan would be preserved, the decree effectively ceded the territory of Shangjin—one of the Three Fords of Beiyang—to the imperial court. It was a blatant reduction of land. Bai Jiu’s faction attempted to dissuade the move on the grounds that Beiyang was a critical border region, but Chagatai of Dayuan had recently wed a princess of Dalan and had repeatedly sent tributes of fine steeds, cattle, and sheep. He had shown all the respect a son-in-law of Dalan should, reviving the Emperor’s sense of imperial might. In early May, the Northern Trade Decree was implemented.
The Three Fords of Beiyang were thus reduced to two. Having lost the commercial lands of Shangjin that bordered Dayuan, Beiyang was now squeezed between Shangjin and the central government’s territory. It no longer possessed the majestic aura of the "Beiyang Lion's Roar" from years past.
On the day the Northern Trade Decree was enacted, the Crown Prince happened to encounter Xin Yi in the palace. He slowed his pace and looked at Xin Yi with a benevolent gaze.
"You poor child," the Crown Prince said with a gentle reproach. "You’ve grown quite thin again."
Xin Yi was holding books bestowed by the Emperor. His eyes crinkled slightly as he stopped to pay his respects. The Crown Prince approached, glancing at the cover of the books in his hand, and smiled. "The documents for the Northern Trade Decree? This decree was proposed by me. If you have questions, it is naturally most appropriate to seek me out; there is no need to read these." Seeing Xin Yi’s humble smile, the depth in the Prince's own eyes did not diminish. "In just a few short months, you have truly become someone to be reckoned with."
Xin Yi showed a touch of bashfulness.
The Crown Prince took his hand and walked a few steps with him, saying, "Beiyang is your home, so I must naturally speak to you of this decree. The court has made this consideration for the sake of the state and the common people. If the benefits were not so vast, how could Imperial Father bear to take Shangjin? Do you understand?"
Xin Yi nodded, looking like a humble student taking a lesson to heart.
Only then did the Crown Prince smile again. He gestured for the eunuch behind him to bring some sweets and placed them in Xin Yi’s hand, saying affectionately, "There is much etiquette in the palace, and food is strictly monitored. These sweets are a private gift from your Imperial Uncle; take them and eat." He chuckled. "If His Majesty does not ask, do not mention it, lest he blame me for indulging your childishness."
Xin Yi remained respectful and submissive, maintaining his posture until the Crown Prince had walked far away. A small eunuch nearby praised him inwardly, thinking that although this Prince Xin Yi was a mute, his temperament and cultivation were truly top-tier; he insisted on fulfilling every bit of etiquette before moving on.
Once Xin Yi passed the palace gates, he opened the packet of sweets and popped one into his mouth. Meng Chen, standing beside him, said in shock, "Prince, you’re actually going to eat it just like that?"
Xin Yi smiled and crunched the candy between his teeth with a loud *crack* before saying softly, "I’ll eat it. Why wouldn't I?"
***
Just as the Crown Prince left Xin Yi and headed to the study, he saw Bai Jiu. The Prince of Pingding and the Emperor were sitting knee-to-knee, playing a game of Go.
The Crown Prince bowed and smiled. "Your son is ashamed; every time I see Imperial Father playing with the Prince of Pingding, I feel a bit of an itch to join."
The Emperor had emerged from the cold months, and as the weather warmed, his mood seemed to have improved significantly. Hearing this, he laughed and pointed at the Crown Prince, saying to Bai Jiu, "Look at him, he’s actually getting jealous."
Bai Jiu’s finger paused over the board. He looked at the Crown Prince with narrowed, smiling eyes. "This official is a terrible player. Now that the Crown Prince is here, he can rescue me from my predicament."
The Emperor laughed heartily. "Your skill is indeed poor; you haven't won a single game in years. Since there is nothing pressing today, Crown Prince, come and play a few rounds in his stead."
"Your Majesty has forgotten again." Bai Jiu smiled as he lifted a game piece. "The Crown Prince has been so busy with the Northern Trade Decree lately that he’s been nowhere to be found. How could he have nothing pressing?"
The Emperor’s smile faded slightly as he asked the Crown Prince, "Is there truly something?"
The Crown Prince maintained his smile. "Only trifles."
The Emperor nodded in satisfaction. "State affairs are paramount." Speaking of the Northern Trade Decree brought to mind the reduction of Beiyang’s land. The Emperor asked Bai Jiu, "Has Xin Yi said anything to you?"
Bai Jiu chuckled. "How could the Prince say anything? I see no change in his expression lately; I imagine someone has already explained the gravity of the situation to him." He then turned to the Crown Prince. "No doubt it was the Crown Prince who took the trouble to instruct him."
"State affairs are paramount," the Crown Prince said, meeting his gaze. "Xin Yi is a good child."
"You were certainly quick," the Emperor said, shifting his gaze with a cryptic smile. "Sooner than I expected. Xin Yi has been by my side for nearly half a year; his nature is submissive and gentle. I suspect he, too, will put state affairs first regarding this matter."
"Who could see further than Your Majesty?" Bai Jiu said. "Your Majesty, it is your turn."
Only then did the Emperor return his focus to the board. He and Bai Jiu sat cross-legged on the mats, leaving the Crown Prince standing below. Kang Fu stood still, eyes lowered; it was unclear if the Emperor had forgotten to grant a seat, or if everyone had simply forgotten to remind him.
***
Returning to the manor that evening, Xin Yi was playing with Chi-Chi. The puppy had grown quite a bit, but it was far too fat—the kind that would roll over the moment you teased it. As he was playing, a pair of hands reached from behind and scooped him up by the waist.
Bai Jiu bit his fingertip and said, "That scoundrel of a Crown Prince."
Xin Yi thought of the moment the Crown Prince had held his hand today and knew exactly what was bothering Bai Jiu.
"Since he could implement the Northern Trade Decree, it was only natural he would seek me out." Xin Yi squinted as he was bitten, merely smiling. "He even gave me sweets to eat."
"He certainly knows who to look for," Bai Jiu said tonelessly. "Throw them away."
Xin Yi let out an "Uh..." and said, "I already ate them..."
Bai Jiu bit him again, and Xin Yi laughed. Chi-Chi looked up from his feet, staring blankly and rolling around, ignored by everyone.
"Within a few days, His Majesty will issue a decree."
"Reducing land in exchange for a title," Xin Yi said. "His Majesty loves that tactic. He likely wasn't very affectionate today, wanting to keep the Crown Prince in check. To appease me, he will certainly make a grand gesture with empty titles. I only find it strange—why did the Crown Prince suddenly want to open trade in the Northern Border?"
"Because Chagatai is about to ascend the throne," Bai Jiu said lazily. "He and the Crown Prince are quite close. Since his good friend is taking the throne, the Northern Border trade serves as a congratulatory gift."
"A grand gesture indeed," Xin Yi mused. "But Chagatai is no dog; I doubt a single trade route through Shangjin will satisfy him."
"Even all of Dalan might not satisfy him. Arslan doesn't have many days left in the saddle; Chagatai won't let the lion die of old age while under his control."
Xin Yi was silent for a moment, then asked, "Is war inevitable?"
Bai Jiu smiled. "Do you think he intends to keep kneeling and sending tribute?"
He wouldn't.
The one thing Dayuan could not tolerate was subservience. They were ambitious, with strong soldiers and sturdy horses; they had been fighting for everything since the days of "chasing the eagle." Kneeling before Dalan was already a disgrace to Dayuan. If Chagatai wanted to surpass the prestige of his predecessors, he would have to wash away that stain with blood.
Xin Yi remembered something. "Who is Hou Ke? My teacher also speaks very highly of him."
"Zhang Taiyan’s new student," Bai Jiu paused. "The Little Fledgling Phoenix."
"Master He’s illness came quite suddenly," Xin Yi frowned. "Is Master Zhang so eager to push another junior forward?"
"He Anchang requested leave for illness himself; he is adamant about staying behind closed doors. Although the Qingliu faction has seen some improvement, his position in the Emperor's heart is not what it once was. For Zhang Taiyan to push another junior at such a time suggests He Anchang did something extraordinary—something so severe that even Zhang Taiyan, who viewed him as his successor, could not tolerate it." Bai Jiu’s tone was level. "This Hou Ke—aside from his family background being inferior, it is said he can rival He Anchang in every other respect."
"I’ve never heard of him." Xin Yi rubbed his chin. "I thought I had been in the capital for a long time."
"His previous actions were not prominent; it’s only natural you wouldn't know him. Zhang Taiyan originally only intended for him to be He Anchang’s right-hand man in the future, but now he has no choice but to push him forward as a replacement."
"What happened to Master He?"
Bai Jiu smiled. "Only he knows that."
***
The Northern Trade Decree was implemented. The Chou family of Shangjin complied with the Crown Prince, opening the trade routes to Dayuan, making the already prosperous commerce of Shangjin even more feverish. Ji Baiyue submitted several memorials, but none received a response. However, within two months, Xiajin was the first to turn hostile.
Xiajin relied on the Lijn Ford and faced Dezhou; it had originally been sustained by the Beiyang trade routes established by the Yan Prince’s Manor. Now, Shangjin had not only intercepted the routes but also blocked the passage to and from the lower regions. Many in the Beiyang army were from Xiajin, and at the slightest provocation, they wanted to have a "clear talk" with Shangjin. However, the Chou family of Shangjin considered themselves the high nobility of Beiyang; having lost face because of the Beiyang army units stationed there by the court, they turned to the Crown Prince to complain of their grievances. The Crown Prince intended to settle the matter quietly and ordered the Chou family to open several lower paths, but the Chou family was unwilling. Though they were ordered to open the roads, they played tricks behind the scenes. Xiajin refused to let it go, feeling the court was treating them like beggars, and insisted on an explanation.
The two sides began fighting at the Lijin pass. Had Ji Baiyue not arrived in time to stabilize the situation, things would likely have escalated further.
This matter could not be hidden; the Emperor soon found out what was happening. He immediately questioned the Crown Prince.
"Your son was unobservant; I beg Imperial Father for punishment." The Crown Prince knelt in the hall, admitting his fault quickly. He said, "The Northern Trade Decree was intended for the greater good. I originally sent people to the Three Fords of Beiyang to explain it repeatedly. At that time, the Xiajin commander, Wu Yu, personally guaranteed there would be no issues, so I relaxed my scrutiny and pushed the decree through."
"Issuing a decree is for the people. For the sake of one Northern Trade Decree, you dared to give the Chou family such audacity?" The Emperor threw down a scroll. "The Chou family has eighty thousand Beiyang troops, yet they can't even suppress one Xiajin! Has Chou Mingyao been feeding his military funds to dogs all these years?!"
"Your Majesty, please appease your anger!" A Secretariat Consultant stepped forward. "The Crown Prince’s hard work for the Northern Trade Decree is plain for all to see. Moreover, it is Xiajin that has gone back on its word first. This official believes we should immediately hold them accountable and punish the masses!"
"This official believes that is inappropriate." The Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud stepped out. "Xiajin only seeks a livelihood. If Chou Mingyao had not been so tyrannical, how could this have started? Chou Mingyao should be punished!"
The arguments were clearly divided by faction—those protecting Xiajin and those protecting Shangjin. The Emperor sat above with a dark, silent face. Then, another person stepped out from the ranks.
"This official has a proposal."
Xin Yi looked closely; it was the "Little Fledgling Phoenix," Hou Ke, who had recently been replacing He Anchang. This man was calm and composed, radiating confidence.
"Minister Hou, you may speak freely."
"If we set aside the catalyst of the Northern Trade Decree, this is a matter within Beiyang." Hou Ke smiled. "Although Shangjin has returned to the court, it was under the administration of the Yan Prince’s Manor for many years. Matters of Beiyang should naturally be resolved by the person who understands Beiyang best. Whether it is investigating Shangjin or punishing Xiajin, in this official's view, nothing would be better than the Prince going there in person."
Send Xin Yi? Wouldn't that be like releasing a tiger back to the mountains!
The Crown Prince smiled slowly and said, "Minister Hou is new to the court and may not know. Although the Prince is humble and kind, he truly cannot be involved in such dangerous affairs. I mean no offense, but he cannot speak; how can he exercise authority and control?"
"No matter, no matter." Hou Ke turned his gaze toward Xin Yi, who was standing behind Zuo Kaizhi. "The Prince is the Prince; this is the royal dignity bestowed by His Majesty. Who would dare to overstep the Heavenly Might?"
A moment of silence fell over the court. The Emperor fixed his gaze on Xin Yi, pondering for a long time.
To release him or not—this was a difficult problem.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 北尚令 | Northern Trade Decree | A policy proposed by the Crown Prince to open trade with Dayuan. |
| 侯珂 | Hou Ke | A rising official, protégé of Zhang Taiyan, nicknamed "Little Fledgling Phoenix." |
| 小凤雏 | Little Fledgling Phoenix | A nickname for Hou Ke, implying great strategic brilliance. |
| 中书省郎中 | Director of the Secretariat | A high-ranking administrative position. |
| 察合台 | Chagatai | A leader/prince of Dayuan. |
| 上津 | Shangjin | Upper Ford; one of the three strategic regions of Beiyang. |
| 下津 | Xiajin | Lower Ford; one of the three strategic regions of Beiyang. |
| 仇鸣耀 | Chou Mingyao | Head of the Chou family in Shangjin. |
| 离津 | Lijin | A pass/ford in the Beiyang region. |
| 吴煜 | Wu Yu | The commander/official in charge of Xiajin. |
| 中书参议 | Secretariat Consultant | A government official position. |
