Chapter Seventy-Nine: Renowned Across the World

“Master, have some water.”
Jiang Jiao instinctively reached out his left hand, intending to snatch the silver kettle, but at the slightest movement he could not help but emit another painful groan. The memory of his earlier rashness—letting Du Shiyi apply blood-staunching and bruise-relieving powders to his wounds, then set his fractured left arm with a splint—made him wish he could slap himself hard. That agony, which nearly sent his entire body into convulsions, was something he never wished to endure again in his life.

Yet, even now, there was no sign of a physician, the messenger to the Eastern Capital had not returned, the man capable of identifying Du Shiyi’s background remained closely watched, and the horse gifted to him, whose hooves had trampled the snow, might have been tampered with—though that, too, remained uncertain. All these things left him, accustomed to comfort and privilege, so agitated he felt feverish throughout. With a grunt, he took the silver kettle in his right hand and drank deeply, then cast a cold snort toward a certain direction.

“What is Du the Nineteenth up to now?”

The curious travelers along the official road had gradually dispersed, traffic on both sides had resumed, and in the patch of trampled young crops—ruined by the frenzied horses, Jiang’s servants, and the repeated comings and goings of Cui Jianxuan and his servant—Du Shiyi was speaking to a farmer whose face was etched with worry. “…So, you say three acres of young crops have been ruined. By average yield, one acre produces about one stone, which translates to roughly one hundred fifty coins per acre. Four acres would then amount to six hundred coins. Though you may replant, you’ve lost precious time for farming; let’s allow for that loss. I propose compensation of four hundred coins. Is that agreeable?”

Whenever the sons of noble families from the Two Capitals went out for spring excursions, it was common for their servants to trample the fields, yet farmers often had little recourse but to accept their misfortune. Today, hearing that the son of the Duke of Chu had fallen into his fields and been injured, this farmer had never expected to receive any compensation. Overjoyed, he nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick, his gratitude spilling forth in a stream of thanks. Nearby, Cui Jianxuan frowned deeply, about to grumble that his own family had saved a life and now had to pay for Jiang’s damages. But before he could speak, Du Shiyi left the farmer and approached Jiang Du, repeating verbatim what he had just said.

“What did you say? You expect me to pay him for the ruined crops?”

Jiang Du, lying on the ground, looked truly angry, and even the steward by his side dismissed the idea. Du Shiyi smiled gently. “Would you allow me a private word, Fourth Young Master Jiang?”

Jiang Du glared at Du Shiyi for a long moment before grudgingly ordering his steward to step away. But Du Shiyi’s first words as he crouched beside him made Jiang’s heart suddenly tighten.

“Fourth Young Master Jiang, you are the descendant of a founding hero of the Duke of Chu, who once aided the Sage in punishing rebels. Yet, due to the recommendation of Chancellor Song, you were relegated to idleness, and your brothers suffered as well. Today’s mishap may seem a matter of chance, but if court gossip arises, a trivial matter could become a major one. I understand your frustration at this accident, but the farmer suffered through no fault of his own, his harvest diminished; is that not also a disaster for him? If the compensation is too far from the actual loss, people will accuse you of currying favor, but four hundred coins will fully cover the damages. With this small sum, the farmer will be deeply grateful, and should anyone speak well of you before the emperor, your reputation will benefit. Why not do it?”

A few hundred coins meant nothing to Jiang Du, but Du Shiyi’s reasoning gave him pause, especially regarding the distinction between compensation and actual loss. In a moment, he laughed quietly. “Du the Nineteenth, you truly are a shrewd one! Very well, I’ll do as you say!”

Once Du Shiyi called over Jiang Du’s steward, Jiang Du immediately instructed him to give four hundred coins to compensate the farmer. The steward went off reluctantly, and Jiang Du watched Du Shiyi nod and turn away, reflecting that it was no wonder the Cui family held this fallen noble in such esteem; evidently, he was not valued merely for his talent in playing the pipa or composing poetry.

Seeing the Jiang family steward begrudgingly approach the farmer, Du Shiyi quietly instructed Tian Mo to keep an eye on things, lest these noble servants play false. When he turned back, he saw Cui Jianxuan standing behind him with an odd expression. Knowing the boy had not spoken a word to Jiang Du, likely recalling old grievances, Du Shiyi laughed. “Does that set your mind at ease? I’m not the sort to do a good deed and then pay for someone else’s misfortune!”

Though he had suspected as much, hearing Du Shiyi persuade Jiang Du to pay for the damaged crops made Cui Jianxuan’s eyes widen. He slung an arm around Du Shiyi’s shoulders, admiration plain on his face. “Don’t be fooled by Fourth Young Master Jiang’s official status; his temper is even more stubborn than mine. He’s quick to beat and scold the servants at home, and outside, he does as he pleases. I’m amazed you managed to convince him!”

Du Shiyi smiled. He remembered how, at Duke Bi’s banquet, Jiang Du had demanded someone compose poetry, then quickly betrayed Liu Ximing, later spreading word of Liu’s embarrassment. Though Jiang Du was certainly capricious, his mind was clear, and reason could reach him. Of course, with Cui Jianxuan present and given their recent assistance, he had little fear of a sudden quarrel.

Soon, the group from the Duke of Chu’s residence arrived, bringing not only two renowned physicians from the Eastern Capital but also Jiang Du’s younger brother, Jiang Guang. Unlike his proud and independent elder brother, Jiang Guang was a shy young man. He greeted Cui Jianxuan and Du Shiyi with utmost respect, but seemed at a loss for what to say next. Du Shiyi, not waiting for Cui Jianxuan’s polite cough, smiled warmly. “Since Fourth Young Master Jiang has brought everyone, there’s no need for us to stay. We’ll take our leave and set out for Mount Song.”

“Ah…” Jiang Guang’s eyes widened, then he said awkwardly, “Both of you have done my brother a great kindness. I should invite you back for proper thanks…”

“Aiding those in danger is simply what one ought to do; it’s no trouble at all, and Eleven Young Master Cui feels the same.” Du Shiyi drew Cui Jianxuan into the conversation, then added sincerely, “Besides, Fourth Young Master’s injuries are serious. We’ll have other chances to meet; when he’s recovered and we gather again, won’t it be far more pleasant than now?”

Thinking of his proud brother’s embarrassment at being seen injured, Jiang Guang quickly understood and nodded, offering profuse thanks before turning away. He instructed two Jiang family servants to escort the short man whom his brother had personally asked to “thank properly” onto a carriage, while Jiang Du was carried onto an ox cart.

As the Jiang family departed, Du Shiyi finally let out a long breath and said, without looking back, “What, are you disappointed you can’t return to the Eastern Capital for a spectacle of chaos?”

Cui Jianxuan snorted in annoyance. “We’ve meddled in their affairs; wouldn’t it be better to see it through? I’m curious what’s really behind all this!”

“If we quietly withdraw, it’s clear we were dragged into this by circumstance. If we walk right back in, who knows what unexpected trouble we might stir up? Besides, if we return, do you think Fifth and Ninth Miss Cui will let us slip away after such a convenient encounter? We’d be stuck for ages! Better to continue our journey—when the drama unfolds in the Eastern Capital, you’ll hear all about it anyway.”

“You always have a point; no wonder you could sway Fourth Young Master Jiang!” With these words, Cui Jianxuan abandoned all thoughts of returning for the entertainment, aware that the only thing likely to happen was being teased by his sisters. He had only just managed to slip away from home; going back would be foolish.

The road ahead was uneventful. The travelers pressed on, reaching Yanshi before nightfall, resting for a night, and then setting out for Mount Song. Without Lu Hong joining them, they arrived at the mountain’s foot by sunset the next day. Familiar with the path, they wound through the mountain trails, arriving at the waterfall whose stream now rushed more fiercely, and found the cluster of cottages before them newly repaired, fresh and bright. Moreover, at the highest point of the waterfall, a sizable new building had been erected.

Yet, more surprising than the buildings was the number of people in the valley—over two hundred, double what they’d seen before. Several familiar faces were surrounded by groups, especially the cold-faced Pei Ning, who drew the largest crowd. Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan exchanged astonished glances.

“Ninth Brother, Little Brother!”

Suddenly, a large hand clapped their shoulders. Turning, Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan found Fourth Brother Hou Xiao—a tall, robust man—grinning at the bustling valley. “Lu Master was escorted back by government carriages, and with news of his appointment as Imperial Advisor spreading, people from all over the Heluo region have flocked here to study! Even Third Brother’s icy demeanor can’t deter them; just in the few days since Lu Master returned, over a hundred fifty have come seeking instruction, and more arrive every day!”

Du Shiyi drew a quiet breath and asked, “And what does Lu Master say?”

Hou Xiao dropped his hands and sighed, “You know Lu Master’s temper. He said as long as he’s able, anyone who comes may listen. The county office in Dengfeng was ordered to build new cottages, and Lu Master insisted they make them as spacious as possible. Another academy has been built atop the waterfall. He doesn’t realize how old he’s gotten!”

Despite his complaints, Hou Xiao’s joy was evident. Meanwhile, Cui Jianxuan slipped off to mingle with the crowd. Du Shiyi gazed at the house on the mountaintop, now bathed in the golden light of sunset, and said with a smile to Hou Xiao, “Whatever happens, as long as Lu Master is content.”

End of Volume Two: A Heart of Ice in a Jade Vessel