Chapter Thirty-Four: Advancing Under the Cover of Darkness

Yuan Jie listened with closed eyes. When Xu You finished reading, he asked with calm delight, “What do you think, Seventh Young Master?”

“It is flawless, every sentence a gem. I could not change a single word—truly writing that shatters gold, far superior to anything I could produce!”

The term “shatters gold” originated in the Eastern Jin, when Xie An composed an imperial memorial. After reading it, Huan Wen exclaimed to all, “This is Anshi’s shattering gold!” Ever since, it has described beautiful and concise prose and poetry.

Yet in this era, it was the first time such a phrase appeared in Chu. Yuan Jie’s eyes sparkled. “Shattering gold… Indeed, what an exquisite phrase! Seventh Young Master, your words are vivid and lively, no less than Yu Fahuo himself.”

Yu Fahuo again… It seemed he must one day make the acquaintance of this elusive, extraordinary talent.

Thinking thus, Xu You offered a few modest words, while Yuan Jie laughed. “Take up the brush, then! I am eager to see these so-called masters shocked by your calligraphy to the point they forget the taste of meat for three months!”

Just as Xu You was about to write, he paused. “Does your household have a mouse whisker brush?”

This was not made from ordinary mouse whiskers, but rather the softest inch of whiskers from the chestnut squirrel, crafted by ancient, secret methods. The brush was firm and sharp, its strokes naturally revealing their edge—a favorite of the great calligraphers Zhang Zhi and Zhong Yao. Later, Wang Xizhi, following their example, used such a brush to pen his “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion,” making the instrument famous. But its method of making has long since been lost, and most brushes now are poor substitutes, their quality far inferior.

Yuan Jie was perplexed, but still commanded, “Qimo, fetch the mouse whisker brush!”

“Yes!”

A voice came from the shadows in the corner, startling Xu You. He turned and realized that another person was indeed present in the room, clad in white even colder than snow, more frigid than frost.

Xu You frowned involuntarily, a discomfort rising within him for reasons unknown.

Qimo kept his head bowed low, careful and humble as he slowly walked out. Passing Xu You, his face like white jade remained impassive, even his breath steady, yet Xu You’s gaze followed him, lingering at his feet until the figure vanished beyond the door.

“What are you staring at, so lost in thought?”

Xu You’s deep eyes flashed briefly, and he replied with a gentle laugh, “I see Qimo moves with order and knows his place. Surely he has won much favor from you, Lord Yuan?”

During the Wei and Jin dynasties, the fashion for male beauty thrived. In the “Book of Song: Five Elements Annals,” it is written: “Since the reigns of Xianning and Taikang, male favorites flourished, surpassing female beauty. No gentleman failed to admire it, and all followed suit. Some even ended marriages, driven by jealousy and longing.” It shows how deep this trend ran—gentlemen preferring men over women, making it a fashion, much like the later rise of ‘fujoshi’ culture, where films and novels pair male characters, a true echo of the Wei-Jin legacy!

Xu You’s question was, in fact, a subtle probe.

“Qimo?” Yuan Jie answered carelessly, “He’s been with me over three years now. Ayuan found him as a refugee while traveling, saw he was clever and literate, and brought him to my side. He serves faithfully enough.”

Xu You said nothing more. Though Yuan Jie showed no unusual behavior, after yesterday’s exchanges, Xu You dared not underestimate anyone. The human heart is hidden behind flesh; who can tell truth from falsehood?

When Qimo brought the mouse whisker brush, Xu You composed himself as if nothing had happened, calmly accepting it and, following Yuan Qingqi’s great work, wrote the “Record of the Sea Pavilion.” Perhaps using a mouse whisker brush really enhanced the Wang style—today’s characters seemed even more perfect than yesterday’s!

Yuan Jie praised him again. Seeing Yuan Jie in high spirits, Xu You seized the moment to request the removal of Zuo Wen’s servile status. “...Zuo Wen knows he failed to lead the troops well, tarnishing the Yuan family’s name. He planned to offer himself for punishment and accept military law. But I cannot bear it. The blame for the battle with the Four Calamity Arrows lies with me, not your household’s retainers. So I shamelessly ask Lord Yuan to grant him some mercy—remove his servile status and release him as a free man.”

Yuan Jie pondered. “I haven’t looked into this matter yet, but I heard Feng Tong mention it. He said Zuo Wen is arrogant and self-willed, lacks discipline in command, and was fearful in battle, leading to many casualties. Of course, the Four Calamity Arrows are no ordinary outlaws, so one can’t be too harsh. But several dozen soldiers died in that fight—his faults outweigh his merits, and by law he should work in the estate as punishment…”

Feng Tong, as expected, had spoken ill of Zuo Wen before Yuan Jie. Xu You anticipated this and was not surprised, shamelessly arguing, “Yuan Manor has thousands of acres and tens of thousands of tenants. One more or less Zuo Wen makes no difference. Better to cast him out, let him survive on his own—that is punishment enough!”

This was true. In a society built on the manor economy, ordinary citizens struggled for survival. Many free people willingly gave up their status to become tenants of noble houses; though they lost personal freedom, their quality of life improved.

As the saying goes, gain and loss go hand in hand. Is it better to simply fill one’s belly, or to breathe free? For centuries, this has been the eternal question faced by common folk.

Yuan Jie laughed heartily. He cared little for the fate of a mere military retainer. “Very well! Since Seventh Young Master pleads for him, I shall let him go!”

According to Chu law, to release a retainer or servant as a free person requires a letter from the head of the household, with signatures from the sons, and official registration. But Yuan Jie was both Zuo Wen’s master and the governor of Jinling, so he could bypass these formalities—a single word granted Zuo Wen his freedom for life!

A word to decide life and death, a word to determine status—

Such is the power of the great houses!

Xu You was overjoyed, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Lord Yuan, for your kindness!”

Yuan Jie regarded him and smiled. “Seventh Young Master is so concerned—are you lacking attendants? Perhaps instead of freeing Zuo Wen outright, I could transfer him to you. The journey to Qiantang is long, and with only a maidservant, you may be poorly cared for.”

Xu You declined this seemingly practical suggestion. He did wish to take Zuo Wen into his service, but it was only three parts calculation and seven parts genuine feeling. Moreover, the way to command people is ever-changing: many retainers have rebelled against their masters, while those treated as equals have sometimes answered a call with heroic sacrifice.

Whether servant or free, it matters little to loyalty!

Since Qiantang was mentioned, Xu You seized the chance to raise another matter. He lowered his voice. “Just as Lord Yuan said, the journey to Qiantang may not be smooth. I wish to borrow one more person from you.”

Yuan Jie frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

Xu You sighed. “Three of the Four Calamity Arrows are dead, but one remains hidden—our first threat. Second, if the Shen family learns their assassination failed, they will surely send more killers. Once we reach Qiantang, we are on the territory of the Wu prefecture’s great houses: Gu, Lu, Zhu, Zhang—none of whom Shen Shizhong can afford to offend. His last chance is to strike as I leave Jinling for Qiantang, along the way.”

Yuan Jie nodded; Xu You was right. Xu You was personally protected by the emperor and assigned Qiantang as his refuge. Even without explicit orders, the Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang families would not be fools; they would guess the imperial intention and protect him closely, or pressure the Shen family to behave, lest everyone be embarrassed. Shen Shiheng was no fool either. Sending killers on the river was risky but could be blamed on bandits. In Qiantang, famed for its peace, sending assassins would be too conspicuous. If successful, it would provoke the Wu houses; if caught, it would be a scandal hard to resolve. The emperor, gentle as he might be, was still the Son of Heaven—he might forgive once or twice, but not repeated offenses.

Weighing the risks, the river route from Jinling to Qiantang was indeed the only opportunity for the Shen family to act.

“But… Seventh Young Master, Yuan House never interferes in the affairs of the great families. Escorting you from Yixing to Jinling was for the sake of the marriage, a legitimate reason. If I were to escort you again to Qiantang, it would mean openly opposing the Shen family. I am truly in a difficult position…”

Xu You smiled. “Do you think me so indiscreet? The person I wish to borrow need not leave Jinling. I only require him to play a part at the wharf.”

Yuan Jie was puzzled. “A part?”

Xu You leaned in, whispering his plan. Yuan Jie clapped his hands and laughed. “A fine plan—diverting attention! Tell me, whom do you wish to borrow?”

“Among the ranks—Deng Tao!”