Chapter 0097: Patient Analysis of the Powerful Minister, and Shen Yuan Bubbling with Jealousy
“The Arithmetic Studies you vigorously advocate represent an academic domain the Su Family has never ventured into for generations. Once this discipline gains prominence in the world, new noble families are bound to rise. Anyone entering the Hanlin Academy would significantly impact the Su Family’s status.” Shen Yuan shook his head. “That’s why he refuses.”
Hearing this, Xie Chengze wrinkled his small face in disagreement. “Although the Su Family holds themselves in high esteem, historical records indeed attest to their integrity as scholars—upright in conduct, concerned for the nation and its people, and never committing major errors. How could they reject policies beneficial to the state and its citizens merely to protect their own status?”
He still believed that Su Zhongyue looked down on the “Second Prince,” thinking such a fool’s words must be wrong, and that he had failed to articulate the benefits of arithmetic in a way that resonated with Su Zhongyue, leading to the refusal.
“Your Highness, people cannot be simply categorized as black or white, let alone families formed by people. How could they be purely one or the other?” Seeing Xie Chengze still confused, Shen Yuan patiently broke it down for him. “The Su Family is indeed upright and virtuous, but it is precisely this integrity that has earned them eternal fame. To maintain that legacy, they must care for their reputation and avoid improper actions. However, who says abandoning certain public welfare policies means they are no longer upright?”
Observing Xie Chengze’s dazed expression, Shen Yuan sighed softly and summarized, “For the Su Family, preserving their prestigious status in the literary world is paramount. They are unwilling to take this risk. You must have misjudged their priorities, assuming a good reputation was what they desired, which is why you were turned away.”
Xie Chengze suddenly understood. “No wonder you’re the Powerful Minister. Only you can see through these intricacies.”
Hearing the term “Powerful Minister,” Shen Yuan gave Xie Chengze a subtle glance.
“Ahem.”Realizing his slip of the tongue, Xie Chengze quickly took a sip of tea to mask his guilt, and explained, “You’re so favored by Father Emperor and the Crown Prince now; calling you a Powerful Minister isn’t an insult.””
Shen Yuan chuckled and shook his head, reaching out to refill Xie Chengze’s nearly empty teacup.
“What about the rumor that Su Qinghe is deeply doted on by Su Zhongyue…?” Xie Chengze asked again.
At the mention of Su Qinghe, Shen Yuan’s expression darkened, his tone turning cold. “It’s merely superficial. Just know that in the Su Family, even mediocrity is squeezed for its value.”
Xie Chengze tilted his head, puzzled. “Then what is Qinghe’s value?”
“…” Shen Yuan shot him a displeased look.
“What’s wrong?” Xie Chengze asked, confused by Shen Yuan’s expression.
“Are you that familiar with him?” Shen Yuan tapped lightly on the tea table, his face slightly clouded.
To already be calling him Qinghe—it seemed they had secretly connected without his knowledge.
“Don’t change the subject.” Xie Chengze turned and placed both hands on the tea table, staring at Shen Yuan as he pressed, “What exactly is his value to the Su Family?”
Shen Yuan didn’t want to answer this question because Su Qinghe’s value to the Su Family lay in marriage alliances—exactly what would suit Xie Chengze’s intentions.
If Xie Chengze truly had feelings for Su Qinghe… no, the Su Family looked down on the Second Prince and had long set their sights on the Sheng family’s daughter; they definitely wouldn’t agree.
He just feared Emperor Jian would join in the foolishness…
Seeing Shen Yuan remain silent, Xie Chengze grew somewhat anxious and couldn’t help tugging at his sleeve. “Hey, Shen Yuan, just tell me already!”
“Why do you keep asking about this?” Shen Yuan withdrew his sleeve, his tone displeased. “You still haven’t answered me—are you close with him?”
“Hmph, if you won’t tell me, I won’t tell you either.”
Seeing that Shen Yuan was unwilling to speak, Xie Chengze decisively stood up and headed for the door, muttering as he went, “Anyway, I’ve already figured out a way to get the Su Family to help me. I’ll go find the Crown Prince later and ask for his assistance!”
Find the Crown Prince?!
Shen Yuan’s expression changed abruptly. He shot to his feet and grabbed Xie Chengze’s arm. “No! You can’t go to him!”
For him to seek out the Crown Prince—how was that any different from a lamb walking into a tiger’s den?!
Unexpectedly, he pulled too hard, causing Xie Chengze to stumble backward and fall right into Shen Yuan’s arms, the back of his head colliding squarely with his chest.
“Ouch.” Blinking, Xie Chengze found himself looking up at Shen Yuan’s sharp jawline and the slight movement of his Adam’s apple. “Why did you pull me? Have you changed your mind? Are you going to tell me now?”
Shen Yuan raised his large hand, cupped Xie Chengze’s small head, and pushed him away from his chest. In a low voice, he said, “From now on, see less of the Crown Prince. If you have something to say, let me relay it for you.”
“Why?” Xie Chengze asked, puzzled.
Shen Yuan hesitated. “In the past, you never visited the Crown Prince privately at the Eastern Palace. Doing so suddenly might arouse suspicion.”
Xie Chengze thought it over and agreed, but he chose not to listen. Instead, he grew excited and said, “Then I’ll have Wuhen carry me in secretly at midnight. That way, no one will know I—mmph—”
Shen Yuan’s thumb and forefinger clamped over Xie Chengze’s chin and lips, cutting off his words. He laughed in exasperation. “Xie Chengze, can’t you do anything normal?”
Sneaking into the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace in the middle of the night—was he afraid of losing his innocence too slowly?!
Xie Chengze pried his hand away, displeased. “You won’t tell me this, and you won’t allow that—what exactly do you want me to do? If you don’t want me going to the Eastern Palace, then tell me: what is Su Qinghe’s value to the Su Family?”
Shen Yuan rubbed his forehead wearily and finally relented. “It’s marriage and lineage.”
Compared to the Crown Prince, Su Qinghe was clearly far less dangerous. Moreover, although Xie Chengze acted on impulse, back in Yi Province, whenever the two of them disagreed, Xie Chengze would usually listen to reason after Shen Yuan laid out the pros and cons. Rather than risk letting Xie Chengze get close to the Crown Prince, it was better to spend more effort later persuading him to abandon his interest in Su Qinghe.
So he continued, “Su Qinghe is not skilled in official documents, and the Su Family disdains taking shortcuts. That’s why he has long been without an official post in the capital. Under these circumstances, his only option is to form a marital alliance with a talented woman from the capital and continue the Su Family line. But without an official position, how can he win the favor of such women? So Su Zhong—ahem—so the head of the Su Family has been building up his reputation, making outsiders believe he is deeply favored, all so he can use that to court talented women in the capital.”
“Ridiculous…” Xie Chengze frowned deeply, disdain evident in his voice. “How is this any different from offering a princess in marriage when you can’t defeat your enemy?”
“Do you feel sorry for him?”Shen Yuan asked, his tone subtle as he observed Xie Chengze’s indignant expression.”
“Of course!” Xie Chengze shot him a suspicious glance, seemingly puzzled by the question. “Aren’t you his close friend? Don’t you feel for him?”
Shen Yuan shook his head. “He’s too timid and never fights back. I tried persuading him many times when we were young, but he never dared to take action.”
It would likely be even harder now.
“That’s the Su Family’s fault—they never taught him properly,” Xie Chengze said angrily. “He’s been treated this way since childhood; over time, it becomes difficult to resist. Besides, urging him to rebel against the Su Family only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. What he lacks isn’t courage to resist, but confidence! It’s affirmation from others!”
Only when one is confident can they shine brightly and dare to fight for their rights!
Seeing Xie Chengze defend Su Qinghe so fervently, Shen Yuan felt uneasy. He lifted his teacup to his lips, his gaze inscrutable. “You’ve only known him for a short while, yet you care so much about him?”
“Don’t try to pry—I’m not telling you,” Xie Chengze retorted, not yet ready to reveal that he had already infiltrated Shen Yuan’s childhood circle. With a proud expression, he declared, “Qinghe and I clicked instantly. I’m absolutely certain he’ll be my best friend for life!”
Shen Yuan: …
So it really was love at first sight?!