Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 490 Preparing a Gift in Advance
In the capital, at Tang Xiao's residence,
Now, as the prince's tutor, he also moved out of the imperial city after the princes left the palace.

He was a former subordinate of Prince Kang, and had no connections in the court. No one was willing to associate with him, and Emperor Longyou did not appoint him to an official position for the time being, so his home was still deserted during the New Year, just like the Lin family mansion.

The main gate was ajar. In the small courtyard, only a maid was sweeping snow on the gravel road, creating a desolate scene.

However, Tang Xiao, who was sitting by the window brewing tea and looking up at the snowy scenery, looked quite content.

"Xinghong, come in and add some charcoal."

"The master has arrived."

The young maid threw down the broom, her round, rosy face flushed as she breathed on her palms to warm them. Just as she was about to return to her room, the courtyard gate was pushed open from the outside.

It wasn't that someone had wandered in by mistake. Upon seeing the person, Tang Xiao hurriedly stood up, lifted the felt curtain, and stepped forward to greet them, leaving the maid behind.

"Your Highness, it is freezing cold at this time. How can you, with your precious health, come to my humble abode? If you have something to say, just send someone to summon me."

The eldest prince, Liu An, helped Tang Xiao to his feet, bowed respectfully as a student, and said, "Teacher, you have taught me diligently over the years. Now that the New Year is approaching, and seeing that you have no distinguished guests present, I have come to visit you."

Looking around, the eldest prince sighed, "Teacher, you are indeed living a simple life, just as I expected."

"Your Highness is too kind to this old man."

Seeing that Liu An's cheeks were slowly turning red from the cold, Tang Xiao quickly ushered him in, saying, "This is not the place to talk. Since Your Highness is here, please have some hot tea and wait until the snow stops before you leave."

“Very well, I was just about to ask you for your knowledge.”

Tang Xiao stood beside Liu An, helping him to sit at the tea table. He poured a cup of steaming hot tea that he had just brewed and presented it to Liu An with both hands.

"I am truly humbled and have no idea that we would have guests. There is nothing in my residence to entertain anyone, so I hope Your Highness will not find this mediocre tea offensive."

"It doesn't matter."

Liu An took a small sip and found it bitter and hard to swallow, with a hint of earthiness, but he still ate it without changing his expression.

"Does the gentleman lack gold or silver? I should have someone send some over as well."

He took out a precious inkstone from his bosom. The material was made of chicken-blood stone, which was extremely rare. It was carved with auspicious beasts and was obviously very valuable.

"It was my oversight that I only brought this, sir."

"How could I dare accept Your Highness's gift?"

"Take it, sir, there's no need to refuse."

Tang Xiao reluctantly accepted it, but was deeply moved.

After exchanging pleasantries, Liu An took another sip of tea before revealing the purpose of the visit: "Previously, the teacher asked me to inquire about my studies with Minister Chai. I never expected that Minister Chai, who is extremely busy, would actually agree so readily and impart a lot of his insights to me."

"Oh? Has Your Highness gained something?"

Liu An nodded slightly, “The rise and fall of dynasties depends on self-discipline and the restoration of propriety. It is about bringing peace to the ruler and father above, and comforting the common people below.”

"Father has been working tirelessly for the country, exhausting himself and his health has deteriorated due to overwork. He sent my two brothers and me out of the palace, probably to give us some experience."

“As the elder brother, I naturally have to share the burden of our father and set an example for my peers. So I studied under Minister Chai and Mr. Yu. Next, I also want to visit the Duke of Dingguo to learn about the ‘new policies’.”

Tang Xiao's expression changed subtly, and he spoke, "I have witnessed Your Highness's sincerity today, and I am deeply honored. In return for Your Highness, I should reciprocate with sincerity and say a few words from the heart. If I have overstepped my bounds, I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Liu An looked puzzled. "There are no outsiders here, sir. Please speak frankly."

Tang Xiao shook his head slightly and said, "Now is not a good time for Your Highness to meet with the Duke of Dingguo. The Duke of Dingguo is very different from Prime Minister Chai!"

Liu An blinked. "Please speak, sir."

"Although Prime Minister Chai holds a high position, he has left the two academies and is no longer the same person he once was. Therefore, it is not unreasonable for Your Highness to study with him. As for the Duke of Dingguo, he is His Majesty's confidant. Your Highness has only been out of the palace for a few days, yet you have already privately sought an audience with the Duke of Dingguo. Doesn't this seem like an attempt to win him over?"

"Your Highness, please think carefully. If His Majesty were to hear of your actions in the palace and deduce such thoughts, what would His Majesty consider?"

Liu An's eyes widened, and he waved his hand in astonishment, "No, no, no, I didn't mean that. The Duke of Dingguo is also my teacher. I was just fulfilling my duty as a student..."

Tang Xiao poured tea for Liu An again and said, "I have known Your Highness for many years and I know your character. Your Highness is kind and good-hearted and does everything for His Majesty. But after Your Highness leaves the palace, you can no longer act as you do in the palace."

"Your Highness is not foolish; you will understand once you think about it carefully!"

The words seemed to echo in Liu An's ears, lingering for a long time.

The next moment, the room fell silent again, with only the crackling of burning charcoal in the brazier and the howling of the cold wind outside the window, as heavy snow broke withered branches.

“What you say is absolutely right, sir. It was my oversight that led me to fail to consider it.”

The eldest prince, Liu An, let out a soft breath, feeling a chill run down his spine.

He nearly fell into an abyss and was suspected by his father.

Having thoroughly studied the classics and history, he was most aware that his status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife was too sensitive, and what he feared most was being suspected by his father, the emperor.

According to the current power structure, the eldest prince originally intended to be the first to visit the Duke of Dingguo.

However, judging from the rumors circulating about the Duke of Dingguo, he must be having a good time with his concubines at home right now, so it would be inconvenient for him to receive him. He didn't want to spoil the fun, so he first went to Tang Xiao's residence, which was further away.

Unexpectedly, this one extra thought actually saved me.

After pondering for a long time, Liu An finally spoke softly: "According to what you said, the Duke of Dingguo will be getting married in a month. Should I still avoid suspicion?"

Tang Xiao shook his head and said, "That's not the case. The Duke of Dingguo's wedding is a major event that the whole city will celebrate together, just like a grand ceremony. Your Highness must be meticulous in the etiquette on the occasion, and even more so than Your Highness's two younger brothers, to show your status."

"His Majesty will see all of this."

Liu An nodded without saying a word.

Seemingly sensing that the time was right, Tang Xiao pressed on, "Your Highness, I have another question."

After a pause, Liu An also raised his head.

Tang Xiao's gaze was sharp as he looked directly at him and said bluntly, "If Your Highness is truly concerned about the stability of the country and the court, why not establish the foundation of the nation to secure the court?"

Liu An was startled again and asked in astonishment, "Does the master mean that I should 'compete for the throne'?" Tang Xiao frowned, his tone becoming increasingly serious, "Your Highness, you cannot avoid this matter. The throne has always been contested, and the path to the throne has always been fraught with danger. One wrong step and you will be doomed forever."

"Does Your Highness intend to sit idly by and await fate? Are you unaware of the past events involving the late Prince Kang, the eldest prince of the previous dynasty?"

Liu An's lips turned pale. Tang Xiao had actually revealed this secret, as if he were telling the truth and thinking of him.

Even though he had touched on such a taboo, Liu An was still uneasy and said in a trembling voice, "Sir, how could things have come to this?"

Even with his advanced age, Tang Xiao's face flushed with a fierce light as he devised a plan. He said emphatically, "Your Highness may wish to observe further. If, after the year's end, the Second Prince intends to vie for military power and earn merit in the nine border regions, he will be following in His Majesty's footsteps. Your Highness, however, must not repeat the mistakes of Prince Kang..."

……

The Second Prince's Residence

Inside the martial arts hall, the weapons racks gleamed coldly.

The surrounding air seemed to still carry the lingering smell of sweat and rusting iron filings.

The Second Prince Liu Yi had just finished demonstrating with his spear, and now, dressed in only a thin shirt that revealed his well-built muscles, he was wiping the tip of his spear with a cotton towel.

A burly man stood at the entrance, exuding the air of a military general. His brows furrowed with resentment and bitterness, and his luxurious attire clashed sharply with the undisguised desolation on his face.

Liu Yi threw his spear, which landed precisely in the spot on the weapon rack.

The person behind him bowed respectfully, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, this old minister has come today not to observe Your Highness's martial arts, nor for the sake of a New Year's greeting, but because I have something from the bottom of my heart that I must say!"

Liu Yi sat down on the ground with a smug look, and said to the newcomer, "Prince of Nan'an, you are not the only one who has come to my residence today."

"I'm tired of seeing you, why should I listen to your idle chatter? I'd rather hone my martial arts skills and learn a bit more from the Duke of Dingguo."

The Prince of Nan'an looked grim, tilting his head and muttering under his breath, "How could the Duke of Dingguo's inhuman martial arts be honed through mere training?"

There was no one else in front of the hall, and even though the Prince of Nan'an deliberately lowered his voice, Liu Yi heard everything.

With his eyes slightly narrowed, Liu Yi was much more composed than when he first met Yue Ling.

"Oh, Your Highness, may I ask where the Duke of Dingguo acquired his martial arts skills? In particular, I have never heard that the Duke of Dingguo had a master. When the Emperor discovered him, he already possessed superb martial arts skills and was invincible in the capital."

The Prince of Nan'an coldly said, "Your Highness has never seen the Duke of Dingguo fight bloody battles on the battlefield. It is simply not human-powered, but like a wild beast entering the arena to devour mortals."

"The Duke of Dingguo's fierce aura would force anyone on the battlefield to back down. This is a warrior's instinct, an instinctive fear."

"You can't train like that. You can only develop it by fighting on the battlefield and getting your spear and armor soaked in blood."

Seeing that he spoke with great conviction, Liu Yi became somewhat interested. "You say I have no military achievements? Do you think I don't know that? It's just that Father has not granted me military power or allowed me to make meritorious contributions on the border. What else can I do besides honing my martial arts skills and studying military books every day?"

The Prince of Nan'an nodded and said, "That is why I have come."

"Oh?"

Liu Yi raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness, please take a seat and speak."

After standing outside the door for several hours, the Prince of Nan'an's legs were a little sore. Now that the clouds had finally parted and the moon was shining, he was overjoyed to be able to enter the hall.

"Your Highness does not have any trusted confidants to rely on, which is a major taboo when leading troops on the border. Even His Majesty has eight hundred Xuanjia soldiers at his disposal, who are invincible on the border. Of course, Your Highness also needs your own personal troops and the support of others."

"So, Your Highness is willing to support me? Then why shouldn't I choose the more powerful Prince Bei Jing, instead of choosing Your Highness?"

The Prince of Nan'an sneered, "Can Your Highness really trust that person? He turned a blind eye when his wife's family, the Zhen family, fell from power. He also turned a blind eye when his old friend, the Rongguo Mansion, suffered misfortune."

Clenching his fist, the Prince of Nan'an slammed it on the table and said angrily, "He wanted to promote a marriage alliance between the Northern Barbarians and Da Chang, but he used my daughter as a bargaining chip? He doesn't care about things that don't concern him. Can Your Highness trust such a person?"

"So, it seems we can't really trust them." Liu Yi nodded in agreement.

As the conversation progressed smoothly, the Prince of Nan'an pressed his advantage, saying, "It is precisely because I am weaker than Shui Rong that I am more reliable and willing to serve as Your Highness's pawn."

"Oh? What's this all about? Weakness, you think it can be your advantage?"

The Prince of Nan'an showed no shame and said firmly, "That's right. The Prince of Beijing is already a hereditary prince with an iron cap. Would he possibly covet the throne if he went any further? As for me, my title has been demoted generation after generation. Naturally, I have the ambition to compete with Your Highness. Your Highness, think about it, isn't that right?"

Liu Yi pondered for a moment, then suddenly felt a bit thirsty and drank several more cups of tea.

"Your Highness's words are indeed persuasive. Having Your Highness as an ally would not be a bad thing."

Coming to his senses, Liu Yi looked up and asked directly, "Since Your Highness has taken the initiative to come here today, you must have a plan in mind, right? Why don't you tell me, what are Your Highness's plans?"

As he spoke, Liu Yi poured tea and pushed it in front of the Prince of Nan'an.

He took the teacup with both hands, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. He set the teacup down, wiped his mouth with his arm, and said, “Nan’an Prefecture’s financial and material resources cannot compare with those of the Prince of Beijing, but they should not be underestimated. The Jurchens have been harassing us incessantly lately. If Your Highness successfully leads the troops and commands me to win a few minor victories on the border, then when we return to the court, the situation will be completely different from what it is now.”

Liu Yi laughed and said, "That's easier said than done. Let's not even talk about leading troops. Does going to the border guarantee victory? I heard that there was a good-for-nothing who insisted on going to the border to steal credit, and he even lost his position as crown prince and slunk back to the capital."

The Prince of Nan'an smiled and replied, "Of course it's different. It's not a war between two countries, but a small group fighting the enemy. There are simply too many ways to win."

Liu Yi could also hear the unspoken implication in the words, and nodded slightly in agreement.

"Since that's the case, if Your Highness wishes to serve me, I will certainly not be stingy with my future repayment. I will treat Your Highness the same way my father treated the Duke of Dingguo."

The Prince of Nan'an was flattered and cupped his hands in greeting, but then the Second Prince Liu Yi said, "However, there is something that Your Highness needs to take care of right now."

The Prince of Nan'an rallied his spirits and became somewhat wary.

"Soon, the Duke of Dingguo will be getting married, and naturally, we will need to prepare a lot of gifts. As you know, the struggle for the throne cannot bypass the Duke of Dingguo, and we cannot let my imperial brother win this battle."

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Nan'an felt as if his heart was bleeding.

She was already prepared to give a rather expensive congratulatory gift, and now she also had to take care of the second prince's share.

It's definitely a grade higher than my own, but it's even higher than the First Prince's share. This is going to be a huge financial drain.

However, as an initial investment, these were necessary, and the Prince of Nan'an naturally had no choice but to do so.

"Very well, Your Highness need not worry about this matter; just keep it in mind for this old minister!"

(End of this chapter)