In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 978 Fang Xiaoru

Night fell, and the hazy, silvery moonlight bathed the entire city of Yingtian.
News of Zhou Lin's assassination spread rapidly.
The news quickly spread to the residences of many high-ranking officials, and even many powerful figures learned of it.

Everyone was shocked and somewhat puzzled.

Why is he?
Zhou Lin was one of the first to rush in when land prices were manipulated last time.

Now that Zhao Mian is in prison, he has become the most conspicuous figure.

But how could he have been assassinated by a flintlock pistol?

Who is the murderer?

Was it murder to silence them?

Doubt lingered in everyone's mind.

Number 15 Beishi Street was the residence of Liu Sanwu, a Hanlin scholar.

The small mansion was brightly lit at the moment.

Each room was lit with lamps, and guards stood in each corner in turn.

Since the assassination attempt, all the officials have hired guards for their residences.
Most of these people are skilled gangsters or members of security escort agencies!

The Liu family was no exception.

At this moment, in the study in the back hall of the Liu residence,

Liu Sanwu, with his white hair and beard, sat upright behind the chessboard.
His cloudy eyes stared intently at the black and white chess pieces, his expression grave.

Opposite him, a middle-aged man in his thirties, dressed in a white shirt, sat quietly.
He also stared at the chessboard, his face showing deep thought.

Time passed slowly, and neither of them made a move.

Until a nightingale's song rang out from outside,
Liu Sanwu let out a long sigh, blinked slowly, and said softly:

"Hee-shin, I've lost this round."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man breathed a sigh of relief and gave a sheepish smile.
"Master Liu, look here."

He pointed to a spot on the chessboard.

Liu Sanwu turned his gaze over, and upon seeing it clearly, he immediately gasped in shock, his face filled with regret:

"One move off, one move off!"

"Hahahaha." The middle-aged man laughed.

"Master Liu is very knowledgeable, but in chess, just as you said, he is slightly better than you."

Liu Sanwu, who was over seventy years old, was not angry at all upon hearing this.

Instead, she laughed and nudged him:
“Song Lian, that big mouth, I’ve told him several times not to talk nonsense, but he still told you anyway.”

"When the teacher was alive, he often mentioned Master Liu."

His words were full of regret, and he wished he could drink and sing with Liu Gong.

But by then, the teacher's health was failing; she was emaciated and spoke weakly.

The middle-aged man's tone was tinged with sadness.

Liu Sanwu looked sentimental and slowly shook his head:

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

I had advised him to resign and return home as soon as possible after completing the History of Yuan, and not to linger in the court.

Given his personality, he's bound to run into trouble sooner or later.

Unexpectedly, despite repeated persuasion,

He was still implicated in Hu Xiang's case and died during his exile.

The middle-aged man seemed to have been touched on a sore spot; his face showed sorrow, and he lowered his head to cover his face.

"Master Liu, I, Fang Xiaoru, have long taught in the countryside."

I once thought that what I had learned and used was the pinnacle of my skills.

It wasn't until I met my teacher that I realized how ashamed I was.

Unfortunately, the current emperor is ruthless and incorruptible.

The teacher, over seventy years old, was still to be exiled.

Upon hearing this, the disciple was overcome with grief and rushed to escort him.
But it was too late; he only saw his teacher one last time.

Liu Sanwu pursed his lips, looking at him without any change in expression, and said calmly:

"The deceased is gone, there is no need for excessive grief."

Song Lian lived to be seventy-two, which was a very old age.
As long as you can inherit his mantle, his death will not have been in vain.

After saying this, he paused, a sigh appearing on his face:

"I just don't know to whom I can entrust all my knowledge in the future."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru slightly raised his head, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. He pursed his lips and said softly:

"Lord Liu, I've heard that Lord Zhao has made a mistake?"

"Yes, he did make a mistake and was imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison."

He will be transferred to the Censorate in a few days to await execution next autumn.

Liu Sanwu spoke calmly.

A chilling atmosphere suddenly filled the room.

Fang Xiaoru's face darkened, and his lips tightened:

"His Majesty is still so ruthless; if this were in the former Song Dynasty..."

"Alright," Liu Sanwu raised his hand to stop them.

"People should look forward. The Song Dynasty was weak and powerless. How could it have the magnificent spirit of our Great Ming Dynasty?"
His Majesty has already exercised restraint by not escalating the matter.

Xizhi, don't be like Song Lian. He complains everywhere when things don't go his way, wanting everyone to know.

This will not only fail to change the situation, but will also drag them deeper into a quagmire.
To gain a foothold in the imperial court, the first thing to do is to control your tongue.

Fang Xiaoru's face was sorrowful, his expression somewhat unnatural, and his voice hollow:

"Lord Liu, I have taken the imperial examinations three times and failed each time. How can I possibly gain a foothold in the court?"
Even in my hometown, where I was born later, when people hear my name and the origin of my education,

Everyone feared them and wished they could keep their distance.

Liu Sanwu smiled and said calmly:

"I didn't go through the imperial examinations either, yet I still served as an official in the court."
He even held the prestigious and high-ranking official position of Hanlin Academician.
Don't rush. It's easy to become an official, but it's difficult to go far.

You need to be steady and solid in your studies so that you can seize opportunities in the future.

"I have summoned you to the capital this time for a very important purpose."

Fang Xiaoru suppressed his excitement, straightened his posture, and bowed with his hands clasped in worship:
"May I ask, Lord Liu, what brings you here?"

"The princes in the palace are lacking a teacher of classical studies."

His Majesty has ordered the Hanlin Academy to select the greatest literary figures in the land; this is your opportunity.

If one can enter the palace and establish a firm foothold,
The next step is to become a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, which means you'll enter the Hanlin Academy.

Others have to travel long distances and go through countless exams, big and small, before they can finally pass the imperial examinations.
Even so, only a handful of scholars could enter the Hanlin Academy each year.

Compared to them, you've avoided many detours.

Liu Sanwu slowly began to explain.

"dong dong dong"

Fang Xiaoru felt his heart pounding, and he wished he could kneel down and worship immediately.
The Hanlin Academy was a place where people advised the emperor and dealt with top-secret matters.
If one could get in, and meet the emperor every day, why would one worry about not having a high-ranking official position and salary?
He took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed deeply to Liu Sanwu:
"Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Liu!"
If I am fortunate enough to gain entry into the palace to teach, I will certainly devote myself to it to the utmost.

Liu Sanwu waved his hand, his expression slightly grave:

"Sit down first, don't get too excited yet."
The capital was in turmoil, and the palace was filled with an atmosphere of extreme tension.
Whether you can enter the palace depends on your fate.

If fate hasn't brought you the right opportunity, you should go back to teaching and continue waiting for it.

Fang Xiaoru's eyes were burning with emotion, and he almost covered his face with tears:

"Master Liu, I am already content."

Since my teacher passed away, everyone has been avoiding me like the plague.

Only Lord Liu regularly writes to me, for which I am deeply grateful.

"Sit down, I am a scholar."

Not those greedy and corrupt high-ranking officials in the imperial court.

They look down on books, but I do.

A hint of disdain flashed in Liu Sanwu's eyes as he said indifferently:
"This major turmoil in Beijing presents both a risk and an opportunity."

Fang Xiaoru slowly sat down, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Liu Sanwu's expression softened, and he explained with a smile:

"The fact that so many people are willing to spend real money to obstruct the relocation of the capital is enough to show what people all over the world are thinking."

Even though His Majesty won this time, He won't win every time.

Fang Xiaoru's expression suddenly changed drastically. He looked around fearfully and whispered:
"Lord Liu, be careful what you say!"

"Don't be afraid, there are millions of people like us."

Of all the scholars who passed the imperial examination this time, who do you see who unequivocally supports moving the capital?

Liu Sanwu shook his head.
"There are none. This is the general trend of the world."

Fang Xiaoru's expression changed slightly, looking somewhat strange.
He has been in Beijing for some time and has been observing the situation.
Although that's what they say,
But this time, the palace truly won.

After a pause, Fang Xiaoru decided to further solidify their relationship, and he wouldn't hesitate to say something shocking:
"Lord Liu, His Majesty's victory this time relied on the ways of merchants."
This is quite different from what has always been done in the palace.

They talk about prioritizing agriculture and suppressing commerce, yet they rely on merchants to stabilize the situation.
Having done such a thing, the palace has lost the hearts of its people.

A flicker of emotion crossed Liu Sanwu's eyes.
He understood Fang Xiaoru's meaning and nodded gently: "It's good that you can see right from wrong."
But for us scholars to maintain our ancestral traditions is still a long way off.

My son-in-law is scheduled to be beheaded next year. I have pleaded with the palace many times and asked others to do the same.

His Majesty has relented, but the Crown Prince is holding firm. Alas.

He sighed and said in a deep voice:
"This time, Zhao Mian is probably doomed."

Fang Xiaoru pursed his lips slightly, pondering carefully:

"Lord Liu, His Highness the Crown Prince is ambitious and seems determined to forcefully push for the relocation of the capital."

If things continue like this, it's inevitable that some people will change course.

Although the north is not causing any major disturbances right now.
But it will get stronger over time.

Once they stand on equal footing with us southerners...

Coupled with the Crown Prince's insistence, moving the capital will become a foregone conclusion!

Liu Sanwu did not answer immediately, but instead picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

He clearly saw these changes in the situation.

Many of the officials recently promoted by the imperial court are from the north.

They held low-ranking official positions, yet their futures were bright and they wielded power.

Once these people occupy most of the positions in the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, the relocation of the capital will become unstoppable.

"Sigh," he sighed softly.

"You are quite right about this, but a major event has occurred in the capital today, disrupting my plans."

As he spoke, Liu Sanwu took the document from the side and handed it over.
"Look, this is what happened at noon today."

Fang Xiaoru took the document, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Upon opening it, his expression changed drastically, and his pupils contracted sharply!

He had seen Zhou Lin the day before yesterday; the two of them were drinking together on the Qinhuai River outside the city. How could he be dead today?

"This...Master Liu, is this matter true or false?"

"It's true, His Highness the Crown Prince has already taken this opportunity to launch an investigation, preparing to find out who took the money recently."

Everyone in the capital is now living in fear, and some are already thinking of fleeing.

Liu Sanwu spoke calmly.

"Aren't you afraid that the palace will cause chaos throughout the land?"

Fang Xiaoru's face was extremely pale, and he was filled with unease.

Could it be that the palace is about to win again? Wouldn't that make moving the capital a foregone conclusion?

Did I choose the wrong side this time?

Liu Sanwu shook his head:
"Your Majesty has some reservations, but the Crown Prince, relying on the support of the army, has always acted without restraint."

This time, the capital will be in chaos for a while longer.
That's why I said your entry into the palace this time depends on fate.

The people the palace finds most annoying now are scholars like you and me.

For a moment, Fang Xiaoru felt a deep sense of resentment.

He has been teaching abroad for nearly ten years and is well-known for his virtue.

If I can't get into officialdom, I'll really be too old.

Liu Sanwu noticed the change in Fang Xiaoru's expression and smiled slightly.
"Alright, alright, this time I promise you..."

Even if you can't enter the palace, I'll let you stay in the capital to teach, how about that?"

"May I ask, where does Master Liu teach? Is it in a school or the Imperial Academy?" Fang Xiaoru quickly pressed for an answer.

"Neither," Liu Sanwu said with a mysterious smile.
"How is the Crown Prince's residence?"

Fang Xiaoru's pupils dilated, and he felt a chill rise from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Wasn't this just walking into a trap?
Liu Sanwu waved his hand and explained:
"His Highness Yunwen is still missing a teacher, and the Crown Princess asked me to help her find one."

If you cannot go to the palace to teach the princes, you may teach His Highness Yunwen at the Crown Prince's residence.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru breathed a sigh of relief and tentatively asked:

"Lord Liu, is there a deeper meaning behind this move?"

Liu Sanwu smiled, but instead of speaking directly, he changed the subject:
"His Highness Yuntong has been lively since childhood, and some generals in the army like him very much."
As for Prince Yunwen, those rough soldiers simply let him be.

This preferential treatment made His Highness Yunwen have a very good impression of us scholars.

Moreover, the Crown Princess comes from a scholarly family, making the marriage even more auspicious.
Your trip there presents an opportunity; just wait patiently.

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru understood, his face showing sudden realization, and he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Mr. Liu. I understand."

"Well, it's getting late. You should go back soon. In a few days, I'll arrange for someone to recommend you to the palace."

Liu Sanwu waved his hand.

"Yes, thank you, Master Liu. I'll take my leave now."

Fang Xiaoru stood up, bowed deeply, and slowly left the study.

As the door closed, the study gradually quieted down.

Looking at the chessboard, where the game was still undecided but already showed signs of defeat, Liu Sanwu smiled slightly, picked up a white piece, and placed it down.
The white dragon suddenly rose, and the situation instantly reversed!

At the beginning of Hai hour (9-11 PM), the study was still bathed in a pale yellow candlelight.
Liu Sanwu remained motionless, quietly watching the chessboard, like a stone sculpture.

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the door, and the old servant entered, bowing low, and said in a low voice:

"My lord, Minister Ru from the Ministry of War has arrived."

At this moment, a glimmer of light returned to Liu Sanwu's empty eyes, and his expression turned somewhat serious:

"Why is he here?"

"Lord Ru said that the matter was urgent and that a visit was necessary."

"Invite him in."

"Yes."

Less than fifteen minutes later, the newly appointed Minister of War, Ru Chang, dressed in casual clothes, entered the study of the Liu residence.

He's young, only thirty-three years old this year, but he looks much older than his age.

His long beard hung down to his chest, swaying slightly as he walked.

When Liu Sanwu saw him arrive, he didn't get up, but simply pointed to the seat opposite him:
"What brings you here so late at night? If I remember correctly, there's a curfew outside."

Ru Chang did not answer or exchange pleasantries, and simply sat down.

He stared at Liu Sanwu, his deep-set eyes revealing his true feelings:
"Lord Liu, who did this today?"

Liu Sanwu was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He waved for the old servant to leave. Once the door was completely closed...
"Lord Ru, you should ask the Three Departments and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. What are you doing here at my residence?"

Ru Chang frowned, a hint of displeasure on her face:
"Lord Liu, an assassination attempt can only be carried out once, not twice."

It's happened once already, and yet it's happened again today.
How can officials, both civil and military, work with peace of mind? How will the common people view the imperial court?

Seeing his anxiety, Liu Sanwu smiled gently:
"Lord Ru, is there some misunderstanding between us?"
"Now that the assassination has occurred, you should ask the murderer why he came to my residence."

Seeing that he still wouldn't tell the truth, Ru Chang took a deep breath:

"Lord Liu, I recommended you to the Emperor when I was in charge of bringing you to the capital."
Now that you've established yourself in the capital, you can't let me down.

"Now that Lord Zhao has fallen, can't we just lay low for a moment and give it a rest?"

Liu Sanwu pushed his teacup forward and said calmly:

"Lord Ru, I am a scholar, and I will always remember your kindness in recommending me six years ago."

But Lady Ru can't pin all the blame on me.
I am but a Hanlin scholar; how could I possibly plan such an assassination?

"That flintlock musket, I know absolutely nothing about it."

Upon hearing this, Ru Chang was stunned on the spot:

"Did Lord Liu know nothing about the assassination attempt?"

Liu Sanwu shook his head, his expression calm:

"I am a scholar, and I would never use such insidious methods to harm people."

Lu Yunyi is still my grand-disciple after all the calculations. Why should I kill him?
And Zhou Lin, he was drinking with my student on the Qinhuai River the other day; we're quite close. Why kill him?

Ru Chang's face was stern, a hint of absurdity flashing in her eyes.
Who is the murderer?
Seeing Ru Chang's expression change repeatedly, Liu Sanwu smiled and said softly:

“Lord Ru, although we cannot find the murderer or the murder weapon, we may still be able to deduce who did it.”

"who is it?"

Ru Chang pressed for an answer.

"Whoever benefits the most is the one who did it."
Everything in the world is subject to this principle; no one willingly works to benefit others.

Liu Sanwu said slowly.

"Benefit the most?"

Ru Chang frowned slightly, her expression changing subtly: "You mean the palace?"

“I didn’t say that,” Liu Sanwu raised his hand to stop him.

"But given the current situation, even if it wasn't done by those in the palace, it was done by those loyal and righteous people."

Killing Lu Yunyi might be a desperate act by someone cornered.
But this time, it was definitely a premeditated plan.
Someone wanted to create chaos in the capital, and the person they chose was just right.

Zhou Lin is a powerful figure in the provinces, a rebellious merchant in the capital, and his influence extends to a prince. Such a person is not easy to find.

Killing him would throw all three parties into chaos, but it wouldn't completely drive them to desperation.
Instead, it gave the palace an excellent opportunity to take action.

"If Lord Ru wants to find the murderer, why not start from this angle?"

Ru Chang frowned, her face showing deep thought.
(End of this chapter)