Chapter 0003: Ambitious Second Prince, Daiyu Pities Flowers as Xie Chengze Arrives
At the Ministry of Revenue, aside from the Second Prince’s faction, the civil and military officials indeed wore unfriendly expressions toward Xie Chengze.
After all, this man had first arrogantly threatened to confiscate their properties, then declared he would report the names of those who donated the least silver to the Emperor with malicious gossip, and even demanded half a year’s salary as penalty—naturally provoking anger and unspoken grievances.
Seeing the officials’ hostile demeanor, Xie Chengze showed no irritation. Instead, he smiled cheerfully and said, “Gentlemen, don’t leave just yet after donating. Let’s see who contributed the least silver together?”
One minister snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve but stopped in his tracks, glancing sideways at the donation ledger.
Other ministers also halted their departure. Most who had donated modestly thought privately that if they were at the bottom, they could add more silver to avoid another half-year salary penalty.
Those who had donated generously merely cast a lazy glance at Xie Chengze before leaving. In their eyes, Xie Chengze was nothing but a buffoon, and his petty tricks were beneath their notice.
However, some who enjoyed spectating stayed behind.
Xie Chengze remained unbothered, still watching with a smile until the Ministry of Revenue finally announced the result: “Supervising Censor Chen, donation silver: forty taels.”
Supervising Censor Chen Wenkang, responsible for overseeing all officials, was known for his integrity and clean governance. With an annual salary of just over eighty taels, his being the lowest donor came as no surprise to Xie Chengze.
Upon hearing his name, Censor Chen snorted defiantly. “My family is impoverished—I’ve given all I can! Your Highness the Second Prince may freely report this old official to His Majesty!”
Everyone knew how notorious the Second Prince’s reputation was. Given his character, he would surely belittle Censor Chen before the Emperor for lacking compassion toward the people, just to showcase his own virtuous empathy.
One minister couldn’t bear it. “Old Chen, shall I lend you some? You can repay me after receiving your next monthly salary.”
“Unnecessary!” Censor Chen retorted firmly. “If I don’t endure this hardship, who will?”
Some sighed, some felt relieved, some remained indifferent, and some sneered contemptuously.
Xie Chengze turned to look at Censor Chen.
This old official was known for his upright and unyielding nature, fearless in the face of authority. In the original story, the protagonist Shen Yuan had allied with him to uncover the original host’s crimes, leveraging Censor Chen’s defiance against the Second Prince.
Although evidence was found, Censor Chen’s entire family was mysteriously killed overnight. The evidence was handled lightly, and while the corrupt officials involved were punished by Emperor Jian, the Second Prince emerged unscathed.
This incident solidified Shen Yuan’s resolve to ensure the original host’s death.
Recalling this, Xie Chengze stepped forward.
“Minister Chen, it’s too early to say that. The Ministry of Revenue has only announced the current lowest donor.”
Censor Chen looked puzzled. Since everyone had already donated, and he—the lowest—had no intention of adding more silver, who could possibly donate less than him?
Just as he was about to ask what this meant, he saw Xie Chengze approach the minor official at the Ministry of Revenue. Pointing at the donation ledger, Xie Chengze said indifferently, “Write: Second Prince Xie Chengze, donation silver: thirty-nine taels, nine mace, and ninety-nine copper coins.”
Upon hearing this, the officials were stunned.
Not a tael more or less—exactly one copper coin less than forty taels, making him the lowest donor.
Since when had the Second Prince learned to act so nobly?
Censor Chen was also astonished, staring at Xie Chengze with deep suspicion.
Although he had a clear conscience and wasn’t afraid of the Second Prince’s slander, the six-month salary deduction would inevitably affect his family’s livelihood. Censor Chen certainly didn’t wish to be fined such a substantial amount.
Yet he never expected that the one who came to his aid wasn’t the Crown Prince, known for his compassion toward both officials and commoners, but rather the Second Prince, whom he regarded as arrogant and foolish.
Xie Chengze smiled openly and declared, “Censor Chen is a man of integrity. Being able to contribute six months’ salary for the people of Yi Province shows greater compassion than those ‘with vast wealth’ who donate merely a hundred taels. How could I possibly speak ill of Censor Chen before His Majesty? That would not only disappoint the common people but also tarnish my own virtue.”
He slightly bowed, “Since the one with the smallest donation has been identified, and as I am still unwell, I shall take my leave first. Gentlemen, please carry on.”
With these words, his slender, willow-like frame seemed to suddenly lose all strength. Raising a hand to lightly cover his lips, he coughed weakly twice, reminiscent of Daiyu sighing over fallen flowers, then departed the Ministry of Revenue with somewhat unsteady steps.
Watching his frail retreating figure, the officials exchanged puzzled glances, suddenly recalling that the Second Prince had indeed mentioned his poor health during the morning court session.
None doubted his condition, for it was well-known how diligently and earnestly the Second Prince attended court. His sudden absence for several days clearly indicated serious illness. Despite this, he had persevered through the court session and remained until all officials had made their donations, clearing the name of the lowest contributor before dragging his sickly body away. It was hard not to feel respect for such dedication.
Though the Second Prince could indeed be quite disagreeable at times, his professionalism was beyond reproach.
“What illness could have befallen the Second Prince? I recall even when he broke his leg falling from a horse, he never missed court.”
“Today he even voluntarily yielded the Spring Examination matters to the Crown Prince—something utterly unthinkable before.”
“Could it be… that facing his end, he’s turning over a new leaf?”
“Brother Wen, careful with your words, careful!”
Listening to their conversation, Censor Chen’s gaze fell upon the donation ledger, specifically the last entry: thirty-nine taels, nine mace, and ninety-nine coins.
Was the Second Prince truly nearing his end?
Recalling the seemingly sincere words earlier, the conflicted censor thought: Very well, since I’ve received the Second Prince’s kindness, I ought to visit and express gratitude with a suitable gift.
…
Imperial Study.
Eunuch Zhao, stationed at the entrance, immediately bowed upon seeing Xie Chengze approach for his audience with the Emperor. “Second Prince, His Majesty has instructed that you may enter directly.”
“Thank you, Eunuch Zhao.” Xie Chengze nodded to him before proceeding inside.
Eunuch Zhao watched with mild surprise.
The Second Prince seemed different today.
In the past, when given such instructions, the prince would typically ignore him and stride directly into the study. Today, he had responded politely and even addressed him respectfully as “Eunuch Zhao.”
It had been nearly a decade since Eunuch Zhao last heard the Second Prince call him by that title. As a child, the prince had been sweet-tongued and courteous, always addressing him properly and secretly slipping him sweets—quite unlike later years…
Ah, best not dwell on that.
During his journey here, Xie Chengze had been reviewing the original plot in his mind.
In the original work, although Xie Chengze was somewhat mediocre in talent, he was ruthless enough. With Emperor Jian’s indulgence and two skilled bodyguards protecting him closely—handling murder, arson, and disposing of evidence for him—there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. It wasn’t until he encountered the powerful male lead, Shen Yuan, that he repeatedly hit a wall.
Today marked Shen Yuan’s first appearance.
Shen Yuan was the grandson of the Grand Tutor, who had once instructed the Crown Prince in his studies. Thus, Shen Yuan had many opportunities to interact with the Crown Prince in his childhood. However, the Grand Tutor later retired and returned to his hometown, taking Shen Yuan on travels to explore mountains and rivers. It was only recently that Shen Yuan returned to the capital, preparing to embark on an official career.
The Grand Tutor was highly learned, and Shen Yuan had been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, able to compose eloquent passages effortlessly. He was deeply favored by Emperor Jian. Upon hearing of Shen Yuan’s return to the capital, Emperor Jian immediately issued an oral decree summoning him to the palace.
Later, on his way to the audience with the emperor, Shen Yuan encountered Xie Chengze, who had come to request the position of supervisor for the Spring Examination.
During their first confrontation, Shen Yuan was astonished by Xie Chengze’s androgynous beauty, while Xie Chengze feigned courtesy, attempting to recruit Shen Yuan as a capable official under his command.
However, during the audience with the emperor, when the original protagonist proposed to supervise the Spring Examination, Emperor Jian whimsically asked for Shen Yuan’s opinion. Shen Yuan’s remark, “The Second Prince’s appearance is excessively captivating, which may distract the scholars and disrupt the atmosphere of the examination hall,” thoroughly enraged the prideful and vindictive original protagonist.
The original protagonist detested nothing more than others commenting that he was more beautiful than a woman—what difference was there from calling him “effeminate”? Hence, he began to secretly set traps for Shen Yuan, seeking various ways to humiliate him.
But today, Xie Chengze first went to the Ministry of Revenue, so he did not encounter Shen Yuan on the way.
However, upon stepping into the imperial study, Xie Chengze saw a figure in pristine white robes, standing gracefully before the desk.