Di Ming

Chapter 115 Secret Imperial Edict Arrives!
The young man who came to greet his "cousin" was Tian Zheng, the son of Tian Yi.

He was handsome and dashing, dressed in a plain satin robe with dark floral patterns and arrow-sleeved sleeves, over which was a crimson silk vest, a dark blue net turban on his head, and a gold belt around his waist. He was dressed smartly and capablely, looking like a martial artist.

Ning Caiwei immediately stopped and gracefully gave a greeting, her voice like a swallow returning to its nest: "Little sister greets cousin, may you have many blessings."

Zhu Yin also bowed deeply and said, "This younger brother greets his cousin. I am honored to meet you."

"No need for formalities!" Tian Zheng glanced at the two children and nodded to himself, his smile becoming even more sincere.

No wonder Zhu Yin was able to discover the Jesuit conspiracy; he truly has the appearance of a precocious and mature young man.

The niece my mother adopted was also exceptionally intelligent.

He said with a smile, "The family banquet is almost ready, and there are no outsiders here. Mother is especially happy today, and Father is in a good mood as well. Please come in."

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei politely declined, saying, "Cousin, please go first."

At that moment, Tian Zheng held Zhu Yin's small hand, and Xie Langhuan held Ning Caiwei's small hand, and together they entered the inner courtyard surrounded by the fire maids.

Zhu Yin held Tian Zheng's small hand and felt the calluses on his cousin's big hand.

As the saying goes, "From small things one can know great things." Just by looking at these hands, Zhu Yin knew that Tian Zheng was no playboy.

Tian Zheng is currently serving as the commander of Sanjiangkou, one of the eight battalions of the river defense, in charge of a 150-mile stretch of land from Guazhou to Miaogang, with 700 sailors and 44 ships under his command, making him a powerful military commander.

At the young age of nineteen, he had already become a captain of the seventh rank, thanks to the favor of his father, Tian Yi, and also because he himself had some military talent.

Tian Zheng is Tian Yi's nephew by blood, and also Tian's wife, Ning, is her cousin.

He was a formally adopted son, not a descendant of the imperial family. According to patriarchal law, he was Tian Yi's son, equivalent to a biological son, and the rightful heir.

How could someone like Tian Yi be careless in choosing an heir? Of course, he would choose the most outstanding among his nephews.

But nowadays, scholars are valued more than warriors. Why did Tian Yi choose someone who loves martial arts instead of someone who is good at studying?

Zhu Yin was a little puzzled.

After passing through a covered walkway, through a courtyard lush with flowers and trees, and around a screen wall, the group arrived at a tall and magnificent house with five rooms and seven bays, adorned with carved railings and painted beams.

The gilded plaque above bears three large characters in clerical script: Zi Mu Tang.

It means to be humble and self-disciplined. Just by looking at this hall name, you can tell what the garrison eunuch wanted to flaunt.

The eunuch in charge of Nanjing was far from Beijing, a close minister of the emperor three thousand miles away. He held great power in the southern region, so he naturally had to emphasize "self-discipline and integrity".

A bamboo birdcage hung under the eaves in front of the door, inside which was a green parrot. Upon seeing the visitor, it immediately called out, "Han Zhang Ke Zhen! Han Zhang Ke Zhen!"

At the foot of the white marble steps, an adorable Chow Chow stood up, wagged its tail, stretched, and yawned, the silver bells around its neck jingling.

Upon seeing it, Zhu Yin couldn't help but affectionately reach out and stroke the Chow Chow's fluffy head. This is one of the native Chinese dog breeds, a breed that existed as early as the Han Dynasty.

Seeing this, Tian Zheng laughed and said, "Young brother, do you also love dogs? I have a few Jiangxi tiger stripes in my army, they are very fierce, do you dare to take them?"

Zhu Yin said, "Thank you for your kindness, cousin, but I dare not accept it."

The brindle dog is also a native Chinese breed. However, if you were to adopt a brindle dog, you might get killed by a black tiger.

As the group entered the gate, they first saw a brightly lit pavilion, and at the end of it stood a large, eight-foot-high, nine-panel screen made of sandalwood brocade, embroidered with auspicious paintings such as "Continuous Success in Examinations," "Elephant Carrying a Treasure Vase," and "Three Yangs Bring Prosperity."

Kesi weaving is an extremely complex technique, considered the pinnacle of weaving, and has always been valued at "an inch of kesi is worth an inch of gold," making it very expensive. The value of such a large kesi screen is immeasurable.

Truly, the gates of a noble family are as deep as the sea. After passing the large sandalwood brocade screen, there was another four-sandalwood corridor with a hanging flower gate. When the two maids saw the guests arrive, they quickly curtsied and then rolled up the bamboo curtain with their delicate hands.

Beyond the bamboo curtain lies a large screen inlaid with jade and sandalwood.

Beyond the screen was another shimmering pearl curtain, revealing a spacious and exquisite hall filled with a warm fragrance and wisps of purple smoke.

Only then could they be considered to have entered the inner sanctum.

Bottles, plates, tripods, jade artifacts, rare objects, and books filled the tables and desks, while calligraphy, paintings, palace lanterns, incense burners, screens, and flowerpots were scattered throughout the corridors and cabinets, creating a dazzling and abundant display of treasures.

Zhu Yin glanced at the paintings and calligraphy and saw that most of them were ancient masterpieces, including Guo Xi's "Early Spring", Wu Zhen's "Fisherman" and Wang Mian's "Ink Plum Blossom".

Among the paintings and calligraphy of modern times are Tang Yin's "Autumn Breeze and Silk Fan" and Wen Zhengming's "Xiangjun and Xiangfuren".

Calligraphy works include Xu Xuan's "Jin You Si Cheng Tie", Su Shi's "Tai Xu Shi Tie", and Huang Tingjian's "Zhu Shang Zuo Tie", all of which are masterpieces from the Song and Yuan dynasties.

The furniture and woodenware were all made of ironwood, rosewood, padauk, fragrant nanmu, and chicken wing wood, and were carved with patterns such as kui dragons, chi heads, phoenix patterns, hanging fish, and scrolling grass. They were even carved with entire scriptures, swastika palindromes, and four-sided ruyi, showing the utmost ingenuity and luxury.

Even the flooring was made entirely of yellow nanmu wood, polished with tung oil, and as shiny as a bronze mirror.

As soon as Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei entered the flower hall, they felt the fragrance emanating from the clothes and the noble air about them.

The incense burner alone here includes items such as the Boshan burner, bronze gui (a type of food vessel), incense basket, incense ball, incense box, and incense animal figurines.

The incense used included agarwood, ambergris, benzoin, styrax, and musk, all of which were precious fragrances.

Inside the spacious flower hall, the fragrance changes every three to five steps, and no two are ever the same.

The servants and maids who served inside and outside the hall were all dressed in fine clothes and exquisite attire.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

What is wealth and status? This is it. Indeed, the house has a price, but the decoration is priceless. The furnishings in this flower hall alone are probably worth tens of thousands of taels of silver.

All of his and Ning Caiwei's current assets cannot buy this flower hall.

It is truly a land of earthly glory and worldly riches.

Mr. and Mrs. Tian invited the two young guests to sit in the armchairs and said with a smile, "Please have a cup of tea. The master will come to see you shortly."

The "adult" they were referring to was, of course, their stepmother, Lady Ning. As for Tian Yi, he certainly wouldn't come out to see the two children on his own initiative.

The tea table was filled with the aroma of premium tea, made from the finest mustard greens. The snacks served by the maid were also tributes to the palace, including buckwheat cakes, milk skin, and hand-peeled walnuts.

Mr. and Mrs. Tian said goodbye and left together, but they went to change their clothes.

As soon as the two left, the maids in the hall also withdrew.

The huge flower hall suddenly became completely quiet, leaving only Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei.

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei exchanged a glance, then each picked up their teacups and calmly sipped their tea, displaying composure and grace without any hint of awkwardness or restraint.

To the uninitiated, they would seem to be the hosts, not the guests.

Zhu Yin was a former spy, and his professional habits were hard to break; he would always secretly observe when entering an unfamiliar environment.

Moreover, his observations were always conducted discreetly.

With his sharp eyes, he quickly spotted a faint lamplight shadow beneath a palace lantern near an embroidered screen on the east side.

Because there were so many palace lanterns, the flower hall was as bright as day, making the shadow very faint. Unless one looked closely, it would be impossible to spot.

Zhu Yin glanced at it and immediately understood.

There is someone behind the screen.

Someone was hiding behind the screen, secretly observing their and Ning Caiwei's reactions.

He wanted to hear what he and Ning Caiwei had to say.

Also.

Madam Tian's decision to acknowledge Ning Caiwei as her maternal niece was merely a spur-of-the-moment act, driven by personal feelings. What will Tian Yi do when she returns and tells him?
Tian Yi knew that his wife's family had all died out, so he certainly wouldn't want to hurt her feelings and opposed her acknowledging Ning Caiwei.

While not objecting is one thing, it doesn't mean Tian Yi has no concerns.

With his status and power, there are too many people who are eager to curry favor with him, and too many scheming and opportunistic individuals. Given his sensitive position, how can he not be cautious?

Even if the two are just children, he still needs to investigate them.

Therefore, the person behind the screen must be a spy he arranged.

Zhu Yin casually put down his teacup, looked into Ning Caiwei's clear eyes, and said:
“Caiwei, you often regret that your parents died young. You have been lonely since childhood, which is even more heartbreaking than the sigh of the wind and the trees. Today, you and Lady Tian hit it off immediately. Now you have someone to take care of you, which can be considered to make up for your regret.”

Ning Caiwei immediately understood. She also put down her teacup, subtly revealing a hint of admiration, and said emotionally:

"I'm so happy; this newly recognized aunt is as kind as a mother. What a pity, what a pity..."

Zhu Yin frowned and asked, "What's a pity?"

Ning Caiwei sighed and said with a bitter smile, "My aunt is too wealthy and noble. Although it is a good thing that she is the wife of the garrison commander, I cannot help but be envied by petty people."

“What does my aunt lack? Even if I wanted to be filial, it wouldn’t be easy, and it would be seen as me trying to curry favor.”

Zhu Yin shook his head, and said solemnly like a little adult:
“Caiwei, you’re too attached to appearances. Why should we care about what others say? I know your heart, and you know mine. As long as we have a clear conscience, we can move forward simply.”

Ning Caiwei frowned slightly and said, "I know my aunt has genuine feelings for me. But my uncle, with his high position and great power, will he really accept me? Will he make things difficult for me at the family banquet tonight?"

Zhu Yin secretly praised her intelligence and deliberately created a topic for himself to comment on Tian Yi.

Zhu Yin smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry. Lord Tian has an excellent reputation and is an outstanding man among the eunuchs. He is a gentleman of great character, loyal to the country, and known as a virtuous official. He is far superior to those arrogant eunuchs."

"You're afraid he'll make things difficult for a young girl like you? Isn't that ridiculous?"

Ning Caiwei smiled with relief: "So, I was really overthinking it."

Although the two spoke in low voices, seemingly suppressing their throats, Zhu Yin ensured that the person behind the screen could hear them.

Ning Caiwei suddenly asked, "What kind of person is Cousin Tian? He seems very enthusiastic."

Zhu Yin said, "He's not a spoiled brat; he's capable, completely different from those pretty faces... Sigh, let's not talk about it anymore. We shouldn't gossip behind his back. We're in the host's house; we should be careful what we say."

Ning Caiwei stuck out her tongue, smiled mischievously, and stopped talking.

Zhu Yin remained silent, simply picking up his teacup and drinking tea.

After drinking half a cup of fragrant mustard tea, when I looked up again, the faint shadow by the screen had already disappeared.

Zhu Yin smiled slightly. Tian Yi might not believe this performance. But often, in the eyes of important people, attitude, being sensible, and being obedient are the most important things.

As for your sincerity... if someone easily believes your sincerity, then it will be difficult for you to become a great person.

.........

Just a garden away from the flower hall, in Tian Yi's private study.

Tian Yi, in his early fifties, was dressed in a loose cotton Taoist robe and a square headscarf. He had a refined demeanor and a relaxed air. He was painting a plum blossom picture on his desk.

He had the air of a refined scholar-official.

A tall man stood to the side, holding the scroll down with a jade paperweight. It was Tian Zheng, who had changed into a white robe.

A eunuch was kneeling on the ground, reporting:

"After observing for a moment, I am reporting to you, sir... His demeanor was calm and composed. His actions were measured and measured, without a trace of frivolity..."

"His words were clearly sincere and heartfelt towards the lady..."

The Fireman meticulously reported everything he heard behind the screen, including the expressions of Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei, without missing a single word.

She even described the expressions on the two children's faces.

Tian Yi listened and drew at the same time, occasionally letting out an "hmm" to indicate that he was listening.

After he finished drawing the last flower bud, switched to a different pen to write his name, and then affixed his personal seal, he looked up and casually asked, "Finished?"

The young eunuch lowered his head. "Master, I have finished speaking. May I report this again?"

Tian Yi examined his painting, his expression thoughtful, as if searching for a problem in the painting.

He casually muttered to himself, "Slippery."

"Master?" Little Fire was a little puzzled.

Tian Zhengdao: "Does Father mean that they are playing tricks?"

Tian Yi smiled knowingly.

He moved his slightly sore and numb wrists and said to the fire-wielder:

"You silly goose, you've been fooled by those two kids. They probably found out about you and were just putting on a show for you."

"Huh?" Huo Zhe was a little incredulous. "This servant has been deceived? Master, this servant..."

Tian Zhengye was somewhat incredulous. "Sir, do you really think those two children are so cunning? I can't believe it."

Tian Yi dismissed the fire-wielder and said to Tian Zheng:
"There are naturally intelligent people in the world, whose keenness and alertness far surpass those of ordinary people. And their insight and understanding far surpass those of ordinary people. Grandfather Shimiao, Xu Huating, Zhang Jiangling, and others were all such exceptionally gifted people."

"This Zhu Yin, Zhuang Tingjian said, is a child prodigy. At the age of nine, he could criticize others with his poems and discover the conspiracies of foreigners and Japanese pirates, as well as the treachery of the Jesuits. Hai Rui was able to solve a major case because of his help."

"Your mother said that he and Caiwei bought Tianyu Pavilion today. Is Tianyu Pavilion so easy to buy? That child must have seen the opportunity."

"Nine years old is a good age to see a person's future; this is a child who can accomplish great things. And that Caiwei is no pushover either."

"I rarely misjudge people. These two children are a pair of little foxes."

He entered the palace at the age of ten and has experienced countless trials and tribulations over the decades. He has seen countless people and, if not with discerning eyes, has long since gained a deep understanding of human nature.

Tian Zheng frowned and said, "So, they are simply deceiving Mother, harboring ulterior motives, and deliberately trying to curry favor and take advantage of her?"

Tian Yi shook his head and laughed, "You're still too young. What's the point of talking about sincerity or insincerity? What's the point of taking advantage of others? The so-called 'judging by actions, not intentions' doesn't mean sincerity."

"When a man takes a concubine, he is initially attracted by her beauty, which can be considered a sincere love. But after a few years, her beauty fades and his love wanes, and he feels disgusted by her, which is a sincere aversion. Therefore, what can sincerity be relied upon?"

"The human heart is like water; if the water is too clear, there will be no fish. To demand that people be sincere and pure is undoubtedly to be overly critical and to make unreasonable demands. Even a virtuous person who can be virtuous and indifferent to beauty may not be able to be completely sincere with others."

“Those in positions of power can discern the true nature of people through their attitudes. Even if Zhu Yin is acting, his performance is so convincing that it may not be fake. Ning Caiwei's acting may be genuine, but her affection for your mother may not be fake, or rather, she may not want to be fake.”

"The true nature of people's hearts lies in their willingness to be false, for that is the truth."

Tian Zheng pondered his father's words, "If people are not willing to be false, then they are true..." He nodded and said, "Your son will remember your teachings, sir."

Tian Yi continued, "Since these two children are putting on such a serious show, and it's impeccable and seamless, then their attitude is genuine."

"Their ability to adapt to circumstances and respond flexibly is even more remarkable. This truly confirms their cleverness and resourcefulness."

He suddenly laughed as he said this.

"Your mother is a woman of strong character, she doesn't know anything about snobbery. But by sheer luck, she's gained a wonderful niece. Only a wise person knows how to be truly filial. Your mother has struck gold."

Tian Zheng laughed and said, "If Mother made a profit, then Father also made a profit, didn't he?"

Tian Yi squinted and nodded, saying, "That makes perfect sense. Taking these two juniors in was definitely a profitable move."

“Zhu Yin is already a student of the Imperial Academy in Nanyong. If he can pass the imperial examination and enter officialdom in the future, he will be a great help. Don’t look down on him just because he is young.”

Tian Zheng never expected that his father, a high-ranking official in the Southern Zhili region, would have such a high opinion of Zhu Yin.

Just then, a maid came over and reported, "Master, the family banquet is ready. Madam invites you to take your seat."

Tian Yi chuckled and said in a very good mood, "Let's go, take our seats."

……

Inside the flower hall, Madam Tian, ​​holding Buddhist prayer beads and dressed in casual home clothes, was chatting with Ning Caiwei.

The two spoke in Guanzhong dialect and appeared very close; an outsider might have mistaken them for a family.

Zhu Yin couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only stand by as an extra.

On a round table inlaid with mahogany and marble, dishes of wine and food are being laid out one after another. Although it is called a family banquet, they are all delicacies from the mountains and rivers.

Immediately afterwards, the family's troupe of singers filed in.

Madam Tian asked Ning Caiwei with a smile, "Caiwei, do you enjoy listening to music and watching dances at the banquet?"

Ning Caiwei shook her head and said, "I don't really like it."

Madam Tian was also displeased and immediately waved her hand, saying, "The musicians and singers should all be removed. We're having a family dinner, and there are no outsiders around. Why use singing and dancing? It's too noisy."

Xie Langhuan waved her hand, and the servants immediately withdrew.

Seeing that the two women, one old and one young, were chatting happily, Zhu Yin felt a bit superfluous, so he stood up to look at a Xuande incense burner next to him.

These antiques, which are very rare in later generations, are just ornaments in this hall, and there are more than one of them, which shows that Tian Yi likes to collect Xuande censers.

He examined the Xuande incense burner closely when suddenly a voice behind him said, "You like it?"

Zhu Yin turned around and saw the imposing eunuch. He quickly bowed respectfully and said:

"Your son pays his respects to Lord Tian..."

Tian Yi reached out to help him up, saying, "No need for formalities."

Ning Caiwei quickly gathered her robes and bowed, saying gracefully, "This niece dares to greet Uncle."

She bowed gracefully.

She can now address Tian Yi as her uncle without any hesitation.

"No need for formalities," Tian Yi said with a smile. "You speak with your aunt, and I will speak with your future husband."

Clearly, he was more interested in Zhu Yin.

"Child Tiger," Tian Yi addressed him by his courtesy name, "You also know about Xuande censers?"

He noticed that Zhu Yin was looking at the book with a focused expression, clearly not just glancing at it aimlessly.

Zhu Yin also changed his tune without any hesitation, saying, "In reply to my uncle, I dare not say that I understand. It's just that my father acquired Xuande incense burners before his death, so I have some knowledge of them."

Tian Yi nodded and smiled, "Tell me your thoughts and let's see what insights you have."

This is essentially a test. It's a test of whether Zhu Yin's words are substantial and his insights are reasonable.

Often, a single question can reveal a person's true character.

Knowing things is not an easy task.

Zhu Yin pondered for a moment, organized his thoughts, and then, borrowing a phrase from later generations, said:

"The Xuande censers used red copper as tribute from Siam. Emperor Xuande ordered the craftsmen to refine it twelve times, and only four ounces of the finest copper were obtained per pound, hence the exceptional beauty of the castings..."

"In my opinion, the most wonderful thing about Xuande censers is their color. The color is harmonious and subtle, emitting a strange light from its dimness. It is soft and delicate, and its brilliance is ever-changing..."

Upon hearing this, Tian Yi nodded and smiled. Zhu Yin's answer had exceeded his expectations.

At such a young age, he is already able to appreciate ancient artifacts.

Its vessel is quite large!
"Excellent," Tian Yi said without reservation. "Child Tiger, you are young, yet you already possess the ability to utter witty remarks."

For someone of Tian Yi's status, receiving a "witty remark" especially from a child is truly remarkable.

After exchanging a few words, everyone took their seats. Just as they washed their hands and were about to pick up their chopsticks, a red-robed eunuch entered, holding a token, and respectfully announced:
"Master Tian, ​​it's a secret decree from my grandfather!"

"Grandpa's secret decree?" Tian Yi, who had just picked up his chopsticks, immediately put them down, got up, and hurriedly left.

According to the rules, as soon as an imperial decree arrives, no matter what you are doing, you must immediately put it down and receive the decree.

"His Majesty has sent a secret decree?" Madam Tian's expression changed. "What could it be?"

The originally relaxed atmosphere of the family dinner suddenly turned serious!

P.S.: That's all for today, I've been quite busy, almost 6,000 words. Thank you, goodnight! Please help!

(End of this chapter)