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In the early summer of the 42nd year of the Jiajing reign (1553), the weeping willows along the moat of Beijing had turned a deep green.

Wearing a brand-new yet understated blue robe, Su Ning stepped steadily through the vermilion gate of the Hanlin Academy.

Ancient cypress trees stand tall in the courtyard, and birds chirp and sing.

Several elderly scholars with white hair were gathered around a large desk, carefully sorting through the fragments of the Yongle Encyclopedia.

Sunlight streamed through the lattice window, illuminating the swirling dust.

“Look here,” an elderly editor surnamed Zhao said, his voice trembling as he pointed to the section on the Grand Canal, his voice barely audible. “These three pages are missing in a strange way. They record the details of the reform of the grain transport system in Lianghuai in the thirty-eighth year of the Jiajing reign. I remember clearly that Yan Shifan tried to erase…”

The words stopped abruptly.

When Zhao Bianxiu caught sight of Su Ning entering the courtyard, he immediately fell silent as if someone had grabbed his throat.

The old scholars exchanged meaningful glances, then lowered their heads and straightened their sleeves, as if nothing had happened.

"This humble official, Su Ning, greets all seniors." Su Ning bowed respectfully, his face remaining calm.

Editor Zhao coughed lightly: "Commissioner Su arrived early."

"As a newcomer, I should be diligent," Su Ning said humbly, standing with his hands at his sides.

After an awkward silence, the old scholars dispersed to organize their books.

Su Ning walked to her own elmwood desk and gently ran her fingers over the deep ink marks on the surface.

Yang Jisheng and Shen Lian once sat here, and now it's his turn.

According to the custom of this dynasty, newly appointed probationary officials should first observe government affairs for half a year.

Su Ning originally planned to use this time to immerse himself in reading and carefully observe the situation in the court.

Unexpectedly, just half a month later, after a lecture on the classics, the Second Grand Secretary Xu Jie, standing beside the imperial steps, took advantage of the Jiajing Emperor's good mood after his discourse and bowed to offer his advice:

"Your Majesty, the newly appointed Jinshi Su Ning, though young and inexperienced, has considerable insight into finance and economics. His works such as 'Observing the Grand Canal' and 'Lament on Agriculture and Sericulture' are all very pertinent in addressing the current problems. Now that the compilation and revision of the 'Jiajing Accounting Records' is timely and requires personnel, it might be appropriate to have him participate so that he can serve Your Majesty with his practical knowledge."

Amidst the swirling smoke of incense, Emperor Jiajing, seated behind the alchemy furnace, slightly raised his eyelids.

The emperor, who had not held court for more than twenty years, tapped his fingers lightly on his knees. After a long while, he finally let out a soft "hmm" through his nose.

Within a day, the imperial edict from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs was issued to the Hanlin Academy.

When the Chancellor announced the appointment, the expressions of his colleagues became subtle.

"Congratulations, Brother Su." Several classmates gathered around to offer their congratulations, but their eyes flickered uncertainly.

That evening, Zhang Hao specially sought out Su Ning's residence in the west of the city. As soon as he entered, he asked Su Ning to dismiss everyone else.

"Anbang, this matter is dangerous." Zhang Hao lowered his voice. "The 'Jiajing Accounting Records' may seem prestigious, but it's actually a hot potato. Salt tax, tea tax, canal transport—which of these isn't the Yan faction's money bag?"

Su Ning poured him a cup of tea: "Brother, please explain in detail."

“Three years ago, did you know about Censor Wang of the Censorate?” Zhang Hao’s voice then became even lower. “Because he insisted on investigating the deficit in the Lianghuai salt accounts, he was demoted to Yongchang Prefecture in Yunnan Province on the pretext of ‘misbehavior’ within three months.”

The candlelight flickered on Su Ning's young face, reflecting his slightly furrowed brows.

He paused for a moment, then said softly, "Grand Secretary Xu's move is putting me in a very difficult position."

"That's exactly right!" Zhang Hao said urgently, "Your reputation is already well-established. If you can't find any problems, you're just a figurehead; if you do find problems..."

He paused, then said, "We both know the methods of the Yan faction."

The sound of the night watchman striking his clapper came from outside the window; the night was deep.

Su Ning got up and walked to the window, gazing at the crabapple tree swaying in the night breeze in the courtyard.

"Brother, do you still remember," he suddenly asked, "that day when Grand Secretary Xu escorted me to the second gate, he specifically mentioned that the Prince Yu's residence was short of a clerk?"

Zhang Hao was taken aback: "You mean..."

“Grand Secretary Xu wants me to be used, but he also wants to test me.” Su Ning turned around, the candlelight flickering in his eyes. “This ‘Accounting Records’ is the touchstone. If I shrink back, I will be unfit for important tasks; if I act recklessly, I will be ignorant of when to advance and when to retreat.”

He picked up the slightly cooled tea and drank it all in one gulp: "This situation needs to be broken, but not too much."

Zhang Hao looked thoughtful: "You mean..."

"The accounts should be investigated, but not just those of the Yan faction." A faint smile appeared on Su Ning's lips. "Shouldn't the expenditures of the Imperial Treasury over His Majesty's years of cultivating immortality and refining elixirs also be reviewed?"

Zhou Zhengjie gasped: "You want to get involved in the palace's affairs?"

“Since the water is already muddy,” Su Ning said softly, “why not make it even muddier?”

Outside the window, the early summer night wind suddenly picked up, rustling the crabapple branches and leaves as if a downpour was about to begin.

……

In the sweltering summer of the 42nd year of the Jiajing reign, Beijing was shrouded in oppressive heat.

Every day at 3:45 AM, Su Ning would appear in front of the vermilion gate of the Hanlin Academy.

The Hanlin Academy has a unique charm in the morning light.

The dew on the ancient cypress trees had not yet dried. Several old scholars were slowly pacing in the courtyard, holding either "Zhenguan Zhengyao" or "Zizhi Tongjian" in their hands.

They would nod slightly when they saw Su Ning and the others, but said little.

Su Ning's desk was set up in the east wing of the Hanlin Academy, right next to the archives storage cabinet.

This place was originally where the historical records of the previous dynasty were stored, and the air is filled with the scent of aged ink and the musty smell of books all year round.

“Commissioner Su has arrived early today.”

The old official in charge of the cabinet storehouse was surnamed Chen, and he had been working in the Hanlin Academy for forty years.

He shakily unlocked the heavy copper lock and moved a stack of yellow books in front of Su Ning.

"This is the salt tax register from the 30th year of the Jiajing reign (1540), which Su Xiuzhuan requested."

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Chen." Su Ning took the booklet and gently brushed the dust off the cover.

Old Chen, however, was in no hurry to leave. He hunched over and said in a low voice, "This booklet... was also borrowed by Imperial Censor Wang three years ago."

Su Ning looked up at the old official's cloudy eyes and nodded knowingly: "This junior understands."

Turning the heavy pages, a dense array of numbers immediately comes into view.

Lianghuai Saltworks, Changlu Saltworks, Shandong Saltworks...

The amount of tax levied at each location was recorded clearly.

However, upon closer inspection, the oddities become apparent: despite both being large salt fields with an annual output of tens of thousands of tons, the tax amounts differed significantly.

"Brother Su, are you looking at the salt administration book?"

A voice suddenly rang out behind me.

Su Ning calmly closed the booklet, stood up, and bowed, saying, "Reviewer Li."

The visitor was Li Weizheng, a junior official who had served three years earlier than him, and who was now a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

He casually sat down opposite Suning, his gaze sweeping over the salt lesson book on the table.

"These old grievances are really boring to look at," Li Weizheng said with a smile. "I heard that yesterday, Grand Secretary Xu brought up Brother Su's poem 'Watching the Grain Transport' again at the lecture."

"These are just some shallow opinions; I hope Brother Li will forgive my ignorance."

"A mere opinion?" Li Weizheng shook his head. "These days, who in the entire capital doesn't know of Su Xiuzhuan's talent? Even Prince Yu, when he came to the Hanlin Academy the other day, specifically asked about you."

Su Ning's heart stirred slightly, but her expression remained calm: "Your Highness is too kind."

After seeing Li Weizheng off, Su Ning reopened the salt lesson book.

This time, he took out a blank sheet of paper and began copying down several key data points.

The ink slowly spreads on the rice paper, much like the intricate web of relationships in the imperial court.

Just as noon arrived, a young eunuch appeared silently at the door.

"Commissioner Su and Grand Secretary Xu invite you to their residence for a chat."

The cabinet office was located in a small courtyard behind the Wenyuan Pavilion, separated from the Hanlin Academy by only one wall.

Xu Jie was reviewing memorials when he saw Su Ning enter, and simply pointed to the seat next to him.

"Have you looked at the salt textbook?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, I am currently reviewing it."

Xu Jie put down his pen and rubbed his temples: "What did you see?" "The tax amounts vary greatly from place to place; there must be something fishy about it."

“Strange?” Xu Jie chuckled. “The Lianghuai salt fields produce a million yin of salt every year, but the tax revenue is only 300,000 taels. Go ask the salt merchants in Yangzhou how much their houses are worth.”

Suning lowered his head and remained silent.

“Remember,” Xu Jie’s voice suddenly turned serious, “the audit is not the goal. The important thing is to make sure that those who should see it see it.”

"Yes, Your Excellency."

As I left the cabinet office, it was nearly dusk.

When I got back to my lodgings, the moon was already high in the sky.

Suning lit an oil lamp and began organizing today's notes.

He knew that these seemingly dry numbers would one day become the sharpest sword piercing Yan's party.

The sound of a clapper came from outside the window; it was already past midnight.

Suning blew out the oil lamp, but did not go to bed immediately.

Tomorrow, even more ledgers await him.

……

In the early autumn of the forty-second year of the Jiajing reign, the aroma of ambergris and sandalwood mingled in the alchemy room behind the Wanshou Palace in the West Garden, even more intense than usual.

Emperor Jiajing, dressed in a Taoist robe, was slowly and attentively mixing cinnabar into the medicinal herbs for alchemy.

Xu Jie knelt on the jade prayer mat, waiting quietly for half an hour.

Only after the emperor had completed a procedure—washing his hands and changing his clothes—did he speak at the opportune moment:
"Your Majesty, news has come from the Prince Yu's residence that the position of Ji Shan has been vacant for several months."

Emperor Jiajing gave a casual "hmm" and sat down on the rosewood chair in front of the alchemy furnace, closing his eyes to rest.

Xu Jie continued slowly, "This old minister observes that the newly appointed Jinshi Su Ning is of upright character and profound knowledge, and may be suitable for this position."

The Jade Palace fell silent, with only the faint crackling of silver charcoal in the furnace audible.

The Jiajing Emperor slowly opened his eyes behind the gauze curtain. His eyes, which had been through many political affairs, appeared particularly deep in the fragrant mist.

"Is it the one that wrote 'Before the silkworm has spun its cocoon, the clerk has already urged it to spin silk'?" The emperor's voice was hoarse and distinctive.

“Exactly.” Xu Jie lowered his head even further. “Although this boy has some youthful vigor, he is of pure and kind nature. Placing him in the Prince Yu’s mansion for training will be a good opportunity to temper his character.”

Suddenly, a golden light shot out from the alchemy furnace, casting an uncertain glow throughout the alchemy room.

The Jiajing Emperor tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, and after a long while, he said:
"Lü Fang".

The Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was standing to the side, quickly bowed and said, "This old servant is here."

"Draft the proposal," the Jiajing Emperor said calmly. "Let that scholar who can write poetry serve as a scribe in the Prince Yu's residence."

"This old servant obeys the order." Lü Fang replied respectfully, secretly exchanging a glance with Xu Jie.

Xu Jie remained kneeling: "Your Majesty is wise. Prince Yu has always been diligent in his studies. With a young talent like Su Ning assisting him, he will surely make even greater progress."

Emperor Jiajing suddenly chuckled: "Minister Xu certainly knows how to recommend people."

He paused, then asked meaningfully, "What books has Prince Yu been reading lately?"

"Your Majesty, His Highness has recently been studying the Zizhi Tongjian, with particular emphasis on the reigns of Emperor Xuan and Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty."

"Hmm..." The Jiajing Emperor closed his eyes again. "Tell Prince Yu to study hard. As for that Su Ning..."

Xu Jie listened intently, holding his breath.

"Make him remember that 'when the silkworm is about to spin its cocoon, it will naturally produce silk.'"

"Yes, Your Majesty,"

Three days later, the official approval from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs was issued.

When this decree spread throughout the court and the country, everyone understood that this seemingly ordinary "trial" was actually the construction of the crown prince's team with the emperor's tacit approval.

That young scholar who once smashed his jade pendant at a poetry gathering to express his determination is now gradually moving towards the core of power in the Ming Dynasty.

In the study of Prince Yu's residence, the young Prince Yu held Su Ning's examination papers and smiled at the lecturer Feng Bao beside him, saying, "Father has sent me another talented person."

……

In the late autumn of the forty-second year of the Jiajing reign, the news that Su Ning had concurrently served as the clerk of the Prince Yu's mansion spread like wildfire throughout the entire Hanlin Academy overnight.

That morning, Su Ning was proofreading "The Precious Instructions of Emperor Taizu" and compiling "The Accounting Records of Emperor Jiajing" in the history museum as usual.

The ginkgo trees outside the window are turning yellow, and a few fallen leaves occasionally drift onto the window frame, making a soft rustling sound.

He was just dipping his brush in ink when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Editor Su really has some clever tricks up her sleeve!"

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

Zhao Wenhua, a trusted confidant of Yan Shifan, the one-eyed dragon, strode into the history office, followed by two minor officials.

He walked straight to Su Ning's desk, slammed the tattered copy of the Yongle Encyclopedia onto it, causing the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to jump.

"You haven't even warmed your seat on the cold bench at the Hanlin Academy, and you've already climbed the social ladder to the Prince Yu's mansion?" Zhao Wenhua leaned closer, his voice deliberately low but every word piercing. "What? Do you think this insignificant department can't accommodate someone as important as you?"

The other scholars in the academy all lowered their heads, pretending to be focused on the documents, but they were all listening intently.

Su Ning slowly put down his pen, stood up and bowed: "Zhao Langzhong, you flatter me. I am only here to do a sinecure at the Prince's residence, recording his words and deeds, thanks to His Majesty's grace and Grand Secretary Xu's recommendation. How can this be considered currying favor?"

"A sinecure?" Zhao Wenhua sneered, tapping his fingers heavily on the Yongle Encyclopedia on the table. "Has Editor Su just abandoned the important task of proofreading the Yongle Encyclopedia like this? Or is it..."

He deliberately raised his voice, "Is the task at Prince Yu's residence more important than compiling the imperial ceremonies?"

Just then, an old voice came from outside the door: "Doctor Zhao is in such high spirits today, having the time to come to the History Museum to guide the collation?"

Everyone turned around and saw Academician Li Ben, leaning on his cane, standing at the door with a solemn expression.

Zhao Wenhua's expression changed slightly, then he put on a smile: "This humble official has only come to pick up a few volumes of books and to say goodbye to Editor Su."

After Zhao Wenhua left dejectedly, Li Ben walked to Su Ning's desk and sighed softly, "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Anbang, you should take care of yourself on your journey to the Prince Yu's residence."

……

That night, at the Octagonal Pavilion on the outskirts of Beijing.

The autumn wind is bleak, and the chill is gradually deepening.

Su Ning arrived as agreed and saw a tall figure standing in the pavilion from afar.

Zhang Juzheng, dressed in a dark blue robe, was brewing wine in the pavilion.

"Uncle Brother," Su Ning bowed respectfully.

Zhang Juzheng turned around, a gentle smile on his face: "Anbang has arrived."

He picked up the wine pot and poured a full cup for Su Ning, saying, "Drink this cup first to bid you farewell."

After the two shared a drink, Zhang Juzheng led Su Ning to the pavilion and pointed in the direction of the capital city below the mountain.

The lights of countless homes flickered on and off, like a galaxy cascading down upon the earth.

“Anbang, look,” Zhang Juzheng said calmly, “this night scene in the capital may seem prosperous and splendid, but in reality, there are turbulent undercurrents. The Yan faction is powerful, like darkness under a lamp, obscuring the emperor’s ears; the upright officials, though they are willing to revitalize the city, are like candles flickering in the wind, too busy to take care of themselves.”

He turned and gazed at Su Ning: "Only the Yu Prince's Mansion... is a true foundation for a century-long legacy. The Prince is benevolent and wise, and treats the virtuous with respect. It is the place where we can realize our ambitions."

As he spoke, he took out half a jade pendant from his sleeve.

The jade pendant was simple and ancient in design, resembling a military tally, and gleamed with a warm luster under the moonlight.

"What is this?" Su Ning was slightly taken aback.

“This is the Prince’s token.” Zhang Juzheng placed the jade pendant in Su Ning’s hand. “With this jade pendant, you can enter the mansion at any time to discuss matters. The Prince said… he looks forward to discussing with you in detail the thoughts on the people in ‘Lament for Agriculture and Sericulture’.”

Holding the half of the jade pendant, still warm from his body, Su Ning felt it weighed an immense weight.

He gazed at the distant outline of the Forbidden City and said softly, "Your Highness's kindness and Brother Juzheng's guidance will surely make Su Ning live up to your expectations."

Zhang Juzheng clapped his hands and laughed, raising his cup again: "Come, let's drink tonight and assist a wise ruler together tomorrow!"

The autumn wind blew the copper bells on the corner of the pavilion, making a clear and crisp sound, as if accompanying this extraordinary night.

...(End of chapter)