Chapter 122

Chapter 122

[After the Transmigrated Man Broke Off His Engagement to the Princess – 5]

Jiang Yingchen had finally grown a little wiser. He refused to engage with the damned System at all. After sweeping a cold glance over everyone present, he ordered them to withdraw and returned to his room to think of a way out.

The Jiang Family had no concerns about food or clothing. As long as nothing extraordinary happened, it had more than enough silver. Even if the Jiang restaurant closed permanently, the family’s accumulated wealth could still support Jiang Yingchen in luxury for the rest of his life and provide Jiang Weier with a respectable marriage.

But Jiang Yingchen refused to accept such a pathetic existence.

He was not even twenty. If he did not struggle and climb to greater heights, how could he justify this transmigration?

More importantly, how could he justify first being angered to death by the damned System, then beheaded by the authorities?

He still intended to become the wealthiest man under Heaven, control the economic lifeblood of the realm, and perhaps go even further by dominating the imperial court. How could he fall at the very beginning to the plots of a few petty villains?!

According to the normal course of a transmigration novel, he had only just left the beginner village. How could he grow discouraged and surrender over a minor setback?

What the Jiang Family lacked was not money, but power.

If the original owner’s grandfather were still alive-or if the Jiang Family had merely retained its noble rank-who would dare provoke the household of a mighty duke?!

He had miscalculated.

Jiang Yingchen was filled with regret.

Had he known this would happen, he would never have wasted his precious energy on business. If he had entered the imperial examination earlier and gained official status, how could those petty men have dared target his family?

Fortunately, he still had another option!

At the thought of the imperial examination, Jiang Yingchen’s eyes brightened. It was too late to become the top-ranked graduate immediately, but he could still establish himself as Great Qin’s foremost literary talent and sweep aside everyone with the brilliance of his writing.

This was a completely fictional age. Li Bai, Du Fu, and Su Shi had never appeared. With five thousand years of Chinese poetry and literature at his disposal, could he not crush these people from another world?

Jiang Yingchen grew invigorated. Beaming with excitement, he went to the study, dipped his brush in ink, and considered whose poetry he should plagiarize.

For grandeur, Li Bai naturally came first. After discarding works unsuited to the current age, Jiang Yingchen settled on The Hard Road.

One poem alone might be dismissed as an accident. Adding a second would make his supposed talent more credible.

He would plagiarize Su Shi’s Calming the Waves as well!

After the lesson of the salt and iron monopolies, Jiang Yingchen was exceedingly cautious this time. He recited both works from memory and wrote them down, carefully ensuring that neither contained anything taboo. Then he made clean copies, added a few modest and respectful lines requesting correction, and delivered them with his visiting card to the residence of Chancellor Su Zhong.

When the original owner’s grandfather was alive, he had once done Su Zhong a small favor. Later, when the original owner’s father committed a crime and lost the family’s noble rank, Su Zhong’s mediation had saved the other members of the Jiang Family from confiscation and exile.

The original owner had been a hopelessly pedantic scholar. Rather than cling to such a powerful patron, he preferred to rot at home. His brain must truly have been diseased.

Did ancient people not value reputation above all and prize faithfulness and honor?

Even as Chancellor, Su Zhong could hardly stand by and watch a benefactor’s descendant die. Otherwise, how could he show his face in public?

The Censors would impeach him to death!

Jiang Yingchen despised the original owner’s conduct. After muttering several insults about sour scholars, he waited eagerly at home for Su Zhong’s reply.

Su Zhong was still at his government office. Only after returning home that evening did he hear that the Jiang Family’s eldest young master had sent a visiting card. Slightly surprised, he ordered it brought to him. When he unfolded the letter, he found two poems submitted by Jiang Yingchen as a respectful junior, his tone deferential as he asked an elder to correct his work.

Su Zhong’s thoughts stirred. His gaze moved down the page, and he slowly read aloud, “Fine wine in golden cups, ten thousand coins a measure; rare delicacies on jade plates, worth ten thousand more. I set down cup and chopsticks, unable to eat; I draw my sword and look around, my heart bewildered…”

Then he read the second: “Pay no heed to the rain that beats the forest leaves. Why not whistle and chant as you stroll at ease…”

Su Zhong frowned. He summoned the steward of the outer household and instructed, “Investigate whether he has encountered some difficulty. Why do both poems begin with such a somber air?”

Then he nodded. “The poetry itself is truly excellent!”

“Master, I sent someone to investigate before Young Master Jiang’s card ever reached you.”

The Su and Jiang families had once associated with one another, though their contact had gradually faded in recent years. When a member of the Jiang Family suddenly sent a visiting card, the outer steward naturally dispatched someone to learn what had recently happened, merely as a precaution.

Now that Su Zhong asked, the steward poured out everything he knew. “The Jiang Family’s restaurant recently introduced several new dishes that were extremely appetizing. They affected the business of nearby restaurants, so someone played a dirty trick. A customer was sent to make a scene, claiming the Jiang restaurant’s food had upset his stomach and demanding compensation. The case ultimately reached the Office of the Governor of Jingzhao. The office split the blame between both sides: it did not order the Jiang restaurant to compensate the customer, but required the restaurant to close for rectification for half a month.”

Was that all?

Su Zhong looked at the visiting card beside him, then at the two poems worthy of being passed down through the ages. His frown deepened.

Judging from the poems, Yingchen should have suffered a major setback. Yet the steward said nothing serious had happened to the Jiang Family, aside from the minor difficulty of the restaurant closing for half a month.

Su Zhong had met the boy before. Yingchen had been gentle and compliant, with ordinary talent and conventional habits, though his bones held a measure of stubbornness and principle.
The Jiang Family had already declined, while Su Zhong stood at the height of his power as chief minister. Yet the young man had insisted that the Jiang Family had already received more than enough favor. He refused to maintain close contact or rely on the Su Family’s influence and visited only at the New Year. Why would he send a card now over such a small matter?

That was not to say the Jiang Family deserved the injustice. But Yingchen had never cared about such material concerns. He should not break his old promise and come specifically to ask Su Zhong to support him merely because the restaurant had been closed.

And there were the two poems…

Su Zhong trusted his judgment of character and believed his assessments were impartial.

Jiang Yingchen’s aptitude was respectable but unexceptional. He was thoroughly conventional. To describe him as boldly enterprising, with a vast and vigorous literary style, would be the exact opposite of the truth.

The handwriting in the letter remained the same as before. It had plainly been practiced diligently, but lacked liveliness and appeared somewhat stiff. It possessed none of the bold, expansive spirit of the poems.

The old saying claimed that handwriting reflected its author. Could someone who wrote such characters truly compose poetry so free, grand, and impassioned?

Su Zhong hesitated.

“One must view a scholar with fresh eyes after three days apart. Could Yingchen truly have improved this much in only a few months?”

He shook his head and laughed. “Forget it. Why think so much? Summoning him here and seeing for myself is the proper course.”

Jiang Yingchen soon received Su Zhong’s reply. The following day was a rest day, and Su Zhong would remain at home. Jiang Yingchen need not observe excessive ceremony and could simply visit.

Jiang Yingchen was delighted. If he successfully attached himself to the Chancellor, would that not be the same as ascending to Heaven in one step?

Following the usual conventions of transmigration novels, the Chancellor’s household would surely contain an unmarried, virtuous, intelligent young lady who would be conquered by his talent and marry into the Jiang Family with several beautiful maids!

The thought made Jiang Yingchen’s blood run hot. Then he remembered that Madam Su was quite fond of his younger sister, Jiang Weier. At dinner, he explained his plan. “Weier, go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow, we will visit Chancellor Su together. Madam Su has always liked you. While I discuss business with the Chancellor, you can keep her company.”

Jiang Weier did not know that he had sent a visiting card to the Su residence. She froze, her expression changing several times before she frowned. “Didn’t you say before, Brother, that although Grandfather once helped Chancellor Su, it had only been a small favor? When Chancellor Su pleaded for the Jiang Family, he risked his life. He repaid the old favor long ago. In fact, we owe him more debts than we can count. You said we should limit our contact and visit only once at the New Year. Why are we going again now?”

Jiang Yingchen had thought this younger sister obedient and sensible. After hearing her, however, displeasure rose in his heart.

No wonder people said women had long hair and short understanding. Their family restaurant was about to fail, yet she was still worrying over whether an old favor had been repaid.

Jiang Yingchen grew impatient. Remembering this cheap younger sister’s sincere concern for him lately, he forced himself not to explode. “Weier, if we don’t seek Chancellor Su’s help, what will happen to our business? Are we supposed to watch the restaurant remain closed? There is a long future ahead of us. If we endure this now, what happens next time? Do we endure that too?”

Jiang Weier froze again. Golden lamplight filled the hall, and astonishment and suspicion flashed briefly through her eyes.

Annoyed, Jiang Yingchen did not notice.

Jiang Weier quickly lowered her gaze and said gently, “Brother, didn’t we already agree? The Jiang Family’s remaining savings are enough for the two of us to live in wealth for the rest of our lives. You should devote yourself to your studies, pass the imperial examination, gain official status, and restore the family’s reputation. Nothing could be more important for you.”

After a slight pause, she continued, “As for Chancellor Su, he is a good man and willing to protect us. But the affection between our families is limited. Each time we use it, there is less remaining. We are still young. At some point in the future, we may face a truly deadly crisis. Even if we must shamelessly ask for help, we should save that old affection for such a moment. Chancellor Su himself said that teaching a man to fish is better than giving him a fish. The proper path is still for you to pass the examinations and become an official through your own efforts.”

Jiang Yingchen lost his appetite entirely. He stood and said irritably, “Since I’ve already sent the visiting card, I will certainly go. If you don’t want to come, stay home by yourself tomorrow!”

Without listening to Jiang Weier’s reply, he turned and left.

The maid beside Jiang Weier watched him go with worry on her face. “Young Lady…”

Jiang Weier’s palm was cold. Clutching her handkerchief, she watched that familiar figure disappear and said nothing.

…

Jiang Yingchen rose early the following morning. Once he finished preparing, he found Jiang Weier already dressed to go out and waiting gracefully in the hall. Her pale crimson gown made her as lovely as a branch of apricot blossoms in early spring.

“That’s more like it. Your brother isn’t a fool. Would I ever hurt you?”

Jiang Yingchen’s eyes brightened. Softening his tone, he said, “I was in a bad mood yesterday and spoke too harshly. Weier, don’t hold it against your brother.”

Jiang Weier could only shake her head. “Mother and Father are both gone. We siblings depend on one another and are the closest people in the world. How could I resent you?”

Jiang Yingchen laughed twice, ordered a carriage prepared, and left for the Su residence with Jiang Weier.

The Jiang siblings visited the Su Family every first month of the year, and the steward had been notified in advance. They entered without obstruction. A servant led Jiang Yingchen toward Su Zhong’s study, while Jiang Weier went to the rear courtyard to pay respects to Madam Su.
A servant brought tea. Su Zhong held the cup without drinking and studied the young man before him. Jiang Yingchen’s eyes now shone, and his bearing was vigorous and ambitious. He truly displayed a measure of bold enterprise, entirely unlike his former self.

He was still young. It was not especially rare for youthful spirit to change a person’s temperament.

Su Zhong did not dwell on the difference. Instead, he felt gratified by the transformation. Without mentioning the restaurant, he asked about the two poems. “Did you write them yourself? If they truly came from your hand, your learning has improved beyond measure.”

Jiang Yingchen understood the original owner’s personality. He deliberately acted as though he had been deeply moved and inspired to strive. “The Jiang Family now consists only of Weier and me, depending on one another. If I don’t rouse myself, won’t our descendants vanish among the common multitude within two generations? Whether for our ancestors or for Weier, I must change my nature and strive to advance.”

A person’s virtues were not limited to talent. They were also revealed through integrity and character.

Su Zhong knew that Jiang Yingchen had never possessed outstanding literary brilliance, but he had always appreciated the stubborn principle within the boy. Now that he saw him cast aside his former meekness as though reborn, he felt genuinely pleased.

He immediately praised him. “If you have understood this, it is a tremendous blessing for you, Weier, and the Jiang Family. I read your two poems. Their open grandeur is rarely seen in this age. Once they circulate, Luoyang will see paper become precious all over again. I will naturally share them with my colleagues and introduce you to the imperial capital’s literary circles. Whether exchanging poems or composing on assigned themes, forming more connections will greatly benefit your future official career!”

At the words “exchanging poems or composing on assigned themes,” an ominous feeling suddenly rose in Jiang Yingchen’s heart. Su Zhong did not notice and continued, “You should have no difficulty entering the imperial examination, correct? You have thoroughly studied the Four Books and Five Classics? It is always the same set of sages’ texts, after all. If you can write poetry of this caliber, I imagine you will have no trouble.”

He patted Jiang Yingchen’s shoulder and smiled with satisfaction. “The provincial examination is approaching, followed immediately by the metropolitan examination. Once you pass the palace examination and obtain the presented-scholar degree, you will truly be qualified to establish yourself at court. Yingchen, apply yourself!”

Jiang Yingchen: “…”

Liu Che giggled. “Stunned, aren’t you, idiot?!”

Jiang Yingchen felt his head swell. He forced a smile but said nothing. Then he remembered the purpose of his visit. “I came today because there is another matter for which I must ask Chancellor Su’s help.”

Su Zhong smiled. “Is it the restaurant? Rest assured. I will send someone to speak with the Office of the Governor of Jingzhao…”

Jiang Yingchen shook his head. His expression solemn, he adjusted his robes and bowed. “I ask Chancellor Su to introduce me so that I may have an opportunity to see His Majesty.”

Su Zhong: “…”

Su Zhong stared for a long moment before asking, “You wish to enter the palace and see His Majesty?”

Jiang Yingchen was not entirely stupid. He knew that without a noble rank, expecting a personal audience with the Emperor was pure fantasy. He naturally did not ask Su Zhong to arrange a private audience for him. “I know this request places Chancellor Su in a difficult position. I hesitated repeatedly before daring to speak.”

He explained, “When I say an audience, I only mean an opportunity to see His Majesty. If there is some palace banquet, I ask Chancellor Su to support me and allow me to behold the imperial countenance and display my abilities.”

Su Zhong understood. “You wish to compose poetry at a palace banquet, amaze everyone in a single stroke, and attract His Majesty’s attention?”

“Exactly,” Jiang Yingchen said.

“Foolish!”

Su Zhong’s expression abruptly changed. He rebuked him, “Yingchen, how could you devise such a plan? At best, if everything proceeds smoothly, you possess no examination degree and would gain His Majesty’s notice through poetry alone. How would you win the acknowledgment and respect of the court? At worst, do you know what theme would be assigned at the banquet? If your composition failed and made you a laughingstock, what would you do when the entire imperial capital mocked you afterward?”

Shaking his head, he added, “His Majesty has always valued practical affairs and cares little for poetry or ornate prose. Even if you composed a masterpiece for the ages, he might not regard you highly!”

How could the Emperor fail to value it?

Those works were the distilled essence of five thousand years of Chinese civilization!

Jiang Yingchen disagreed inwardly but did not dare show displeasure toward Su Zhong. He merely urged gently, “You need not worry. I know my limits.”

“What limits could you possibly know? You foolish creature!”

Both angry and anxious, Su Zhong admonished him earnestly. “Studying and passing the imperial examination is the proper path. Mastering practical affairs and understanding agriculture and the lives of the people is also the proper path. But you must never place everything upon literary talent. That is a pavilion built in empty air-fine to admire from a distance, but impossible to approach!”

How could Jiang Yingchen listen?

He wanted too badly to ascend to Heaven in a single step, and transmigration had given him the perfect opportunity.

This was a fictional world entirely different from the history he remembered. Five thousand years of cultural treasures lay scattered like gems on the ground, ready for him to pick up. If even that could not make him rich and powerful, how could he face the ancestors of China?

When Su Zhong refused to help, Jiang Yingchen’s eyes shifted and he soon found another idea. He sighed. “I originally did not intend to mention it. But if I continue concealing it, Chancellor Su will never agree to help me. I can only tell you the full truth.”
He said, “When my grandfather was alive, he reached an agreement with the late Emperor that the Jiang Family’s eldest grandson would one day marry a princess. The Jiang Family has since declined, and I do not know whether that promise remains in force. I am nearly twenty and intend to enter the imperial examination. As my circle broadens, marriage will inevitably be discussed. If I openly claim an engagement to the imperial family, it will seem like shameless social climbing. If I say no such engagement exists, it may appear disrespectful to the imperial house. That is why I thought…”

Su Zhong knew of the agreement. His brows immediately relaxed. “Child, why didn’t you say so earlier?”

He wanted to inquire on Jiang Yingchen’s behalf, then remembered he was not a member of the Jiang clan and had no standing to raise the question. He therefore said nothing of that thought. After considering for several moments, he nodded. “Since that is the case, I will naturally find an opportunity to arrange something for you.”

The engagement between the Jiang Family’s eldest grandson and an imperial princess had been made by the late Emperor and was not Jiang Yingchen’s invention. Although the Jiang dukedom had been abolished, Jiang Yingchen remained the son of a distinguished noble house. If he passed the examination the following year and even achieved a high placement, his marriage to a princess could become a celebrated match.

Once Su Zhong agreed, Jiang Yingchen was overjoyed. He hurriedly rose and thanked him. After Su Zhong told him to sit, he boasted to the damned System, “See that? I am the chosen son of destiny. No one can stop my march toward success!”

Liu Che sneered. “Is that so? Then let us wait and see!”

Su Zhong invited Jiang Yingchen to stay for the midday meal, and Jiang Yingchen naturally did not refuse. When noon arrived, Su Zhong sent someone to invite Madam Su and Jiang Weier.

The four gathered. After discussing family matters, they inevitably mentioned the purpose of Jiang Yingchen’s visit.

Madam Su assumed that Jiang Yingchen wished to see the Emperor only because of the engagement arranged during the late Emperor’s reign. She thought nothing more of it. Jiang Weier’s gaze, however, shifted subtly across her brother’s face.

Jiang Yingchen was speaking with Su Zhong. Having accomplished one of his aims, he was filled with delight. He raised his cup to drink with Su Zhong, his face glowing with triumph.

Jiang Weier’s heart jolted. Alarm and suspicion leaked into her eyes. She quickly turned away and resumed chatting and laughing with Madam Su.

One dish after another arrived. The aroma of wine filled the hall as cups passed back and forth in a harmonious atmosphere.

Jiang Weier lightly gathered her sleeve and used the serving chopsticks to place a slice of fish in Jiang Yingchen’s bowl. Smiling gently, she said in a soft voice, “Drink less wine and eat more food, Brother.”

Jiang Yingchen was enjoying the wine and laughed heartily. “Don’t worry. Your brother can hold his liquor. I won’t get drunk!”

After exchanging several more words with Su Zhong, he casually picked up the fish and ate it.

At that instant, Jiang Weier trembled almost imperceptibly. She quickly concealed it and forced the corners of her mouth into a smile.

Jiang Yingchen became thoroughly drunk. After returning to the Jiang residence, he collapsed onto his bed and began snoring.

Standing outside the window, Jiang Weier watched the young man sprawled carelessly across the bed. Her expression was grief-stricken, her eyes filled with tears. As her gaze moved, bone-deep hatred flashed through it.

Her expression soon hardened with resolve. She wiped away her tears, ordered a carriage prepared, and returned to Su Zhong’s residence.

Su Zhong and his wife were surprised to see her return. Madam Su smiled and asked, “Did you leave something behind?”

Jiang Weier said, “Chancellor Su, Madam, please dismiss everyone. I have an urgent matter for which I beg your help!”

Their expressions changed. They led her into the study and asked gravely, “What happened?”

Jiang Weier knelt and pleaded through tears, “I know this sounds absurd, but I have no other choice. The person who came here with me today is not my brother. He is a demon occupying my brother’s body!”

Her lashes trembled, and tears streamed down her cheeks. “My birth mother died when I was young. Brother and I have depended on one another since childhood. I know his talents were ordinary, but he was truly a good man. He would never shout at me or look at me with such impatience. He would never grope the maids. He was never rough with others or crude in his speech. And Brother never ate fish…”

“That is a demon-a demon occupying my brother’s body!”

Hatred filled Jiang Weier’s eyes. “I cannot let that demon harm my brother, then wear his skin and face to destroy the last of the Jiang Family’s reputation! If he truly wanted to see His Majesty because of the engagement, he could have said so openly. Why invent the matter of the poems? First the poetry, then the engagement-why is he so determined to see His Majesty?”

Her voice turned sharp, and she gritted her teeth. “Chancellor Su, that is what you must consider above all else!”

If the Jiang Yingchen he had seen today truly was a demon, and Su Zhong personally introduced him to His Majesty…

Cold spread through Su Zhong’s feet, and sweat drenched his back. “A demon like this has appeared beneath the feet of the Son of Heaven!”

He recovered, steadied himself, and ordered sternly, “Take my written warrant. Seal the entire street around the Jiang residence immediately and surround the estate. Do not allow so much as a fly to escape! Prepare a horse. I will enter the palace and seek an audience with His Majesty at once!”